Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PORTABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
Field Of The Invention:
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to passenger restraint systems for
use
in vehicles, and more particularly, to portable, add-on restraint systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional vehicle restraint or seat belt systems combining a lap
belt
and an upper torso or shoulder belt to restrain an occupant or passenger in a
vehicle
are well known. These three-point restraint systems integral to the vehicle
are
usually used with seats offering rigid support for the belts. As typically
used in a
vehicle, the three-point restraint system consists of a single belt having its
opposite
ends mounted to a pair of retractors with a seat belt tongue connected to the
belt
intermediate to the belt ends. The tongue may be swung across the person and
engaged with a buckle affixed to the seat thereby positioning one portion of
the belt
across the lap and another portion of the belt across the upper torso. In some
systems, only one end of the belt is mounted to a retractor while the other
end is
anchored to the seat or vehicle. These seat belt systems are active restraint
devices, generally requiring a passenger to positively engage the restraints
about the
person for them to be effective.
[0004] Vehicles, such as buses, which require the passive protection provided
by deforming or deflecting seats, present certain challenges regarding the
integration
of active restraint seat belt systems. In a school bus seat combining active
and
passive restraint systems, both of the restraint systems may need to be able
to
perform their functions and the seat may still need to conform to the
regulations set
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forth in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, 49 C.F.R. 571.222
(FMVSS 222), published annually by the United States Government Printing
Office.
In addition to two-point active lap restraint systems, examples of vehicle
seats
designed to combine both active and passive restraint systems in conformity
with the
United States Code of Federal Regulations, 49 C.F.R. 571.222 (FMVSS 222)
published annually by the United States Government Printing Office are found
in
commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 6,485,098, and U.S. Patent No. 6,886,889.
[0005] Two or three-point restraint systems may cooperate with various add-
on restraint systems, for example, torso harnesses, positioning harnesses,
portable
child seats and booster seats, for use on buses and other vehicles. For
example,
portable seats for children up to about 100 pounds may be mounted to a vehicle
for
restraint of a passenger or occupant. Commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 6,886,889
discloses
supplemental restraint systems for use with a school bus seat in accordance
with the United
States Code of Federal Regulations, 49 C.F.R. 571.222 (FMVSS 222) published
annually
by the United States Government Printing Office. Examples of booster seats are
disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,654 to Stroud, 5,829,834 to Silverman, and 5,685,604 to
Kain.
[0006] These add-on child restraint systems may be coupled to a vehicle seat
using various connectors and anchorage systems. The federal government has
mandated that child restraint anchorage systems be installed in most vehicles,
including cars, trucks, vans, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and certain
school buses.
These regulations, codified at the United States Code of Federal Regulations
49 C.F.R.
571.225 (FMVSS 225), published annually by the United States Govemment
Printing Office,
require two lower anchorages and an upper tether anchorage of specified
configuration, location
and strength parameters. Similarly, the United States Code of Federal
Regulations 49 C.F.R.
571.213 (FMVSS 213), published annually by the United States Government
Printing Office,
specifies the dimensions of tether hooks used to attach a tether strap to a
tether anchorage.
[0007] The present invention may comprise one or more of the features
recited in the attached claims, and/or one or more of the following features
and
combinations thereof.
[0008] An add-on restraint system or restraining device may be mounted to
the vehicle seat of any of a number of vehicles including, but not limited to,
cars,
school buses, tour buses, vans, SUVs, recreational vehicles (RVs), air planes,
watercraft, and other vehicles or modes of conveyance.
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[0009] A mounting system for securing a booster seat to a vehicle seat may
comprise a first web coupled to the booster seat, at least one connector
attached to
the first web, a locking web adjuster mounted to the booster seat, and a
second web
attached to the first web and extending through the locking web adjuster. The
at
least one connector may be configured to releasably engage a first anchorage
of the
vehicle seat. The second web may be configured to be drawn through the locking
web adjuster to remove slack in the first web after the at least one connector
engages the fist anchorage. The locking web adjuster may be lockable to secure
the
second web thereto.
[0010] The mounting system may further comprise a multiple-point restraint
harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a passenger
positioned on the booster seat.
[0011] The mounting system may further comprise a mounting harness
coupled to the multiple-point restraint harness. The mounting harness may have
at
least one connector attached thereto and configured to releasably engage with
an
anchorage of the vehicle. The anchorage of the vehicle may comprise a second
anchorage of the vehicle seat. The multiple-point restraint harness may be a
five-
point restraint harness.
[0012] The mounting system may further comprise a cover configured to
extend at least partially about at least a portion of the multiple-point
restraint
harness.
[0013] The mounting system may further comprise a head rest member
having one end configured to be received within the cover and an opposite end
defining first and second head rest protrusions each extending from opposite
sides
of the head rest member. The head rest member may be configured to receive at
least a portion of the passenger's head between the first and second head rest
protrusions. The head rest member may be adjustably positionable relative to
the
cover. Alternatively, the head rest member may be configured to be coupled to
the
restraint harness. The head rest member may be adjustably positionable
relative to
the restraint harness.
[0014] The restraint harness may be removably mounted to the booster seat.
[0015] The mounting system may further comprise a restraint harness coupled
to the vehicle seat and configured to extend about and restrain a passenger
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positioned on the booster seat. The restraint harness may be a three-point
restraint
harness comprising a shoulder portion and a lap portion.
[0016] The mounting system may further comprise first and second arm rests
extending from the booster seat adjacent opposite sides thereof. The first and
second arm rests may be configured to allow the lap portion of the three-point
restraint harness to extend about the passenger between each of the first and
second arm rests and the booster seat.
[0017] The mounting system may further comprise an auxiliary harness
having one end mounted to the booster seat and an opposite end, and an
engagement member mounted to the opposite end of the auxiliary harness. The
engagement member may be configured to engage the lap portion of the three-
point
restraint harness. The three-point restraint harness and the auxiliary harness
may
cooperatively define a four-point restraint harness.
[0018] The mounting system may further comprise a height adjustment
assembly configured to be coupled to the booster seat and to the shoulder
portion of
the restraint harness. The height adjustment assembly may be configured to
adjust
a location, relative to an occupant of the booster seat, that the shoulder web
engages the occupant. The height adjustment assembly may include a third web,
a
web clamp coupled to one end of the third web and configured to be selectively
secured to the shoulder portion along its length, and a connector coupled to
an
opposite end of the third web and configured to engage with the booster seat.
The
height adjustment assembly may further include a web length adjuster
configured to
adjust a length of the third web.
[0019] The first web may have a first length. The mounting system may
further comprise an elastic web coupled to the first web. The elastic web may
normally bias the first web to a second length shorter than the first length.
The
elastic web may be extendable under tension applied between opposing ends of
the
first web to allow the first web to assume lengths between the first and
second
lengths. The booster seat may define at least one connector storage port
configured
to receive the at least one connector. The first web may draw, under bias of
the
elastic web, the at least one connector into the at least one connector
storage port
when the at least one connector is not engaged with the anchorage of the
vehicle
seat. The elastic web may bias the first web to a length shorter than the
first length
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when the at least one connector is engaged with the anchorage of the vehicle
seat.
The slack in the first web may result from the first web being biased by the
elastic
web to the length shorter than the first length.
[0020] The at least one connector may include a first connector attached to
one end of the first web and configured to releasably engage a first anchorage
of the
vehicle seat, and a second connector attached to an opposite end of the first
web
and configured to releasably engage a second anchorage of the vehicle seat.
The
booster seat may define a first connector port adjacent one side thereof and a
second connector storage port adjacent an opposite side thereof. The first and
second connector ports may be configured to receive the first and second
connectors respectively. The first web may draw, under bias of the elastic
web, the
first and second connectors into the first and second connector storage ports
respectively when the first and second connectors are not engaged with the
first and
second anchorages respectively of the vehicle seat. The elastic web may bias
the
first web to a length shorter than the first length when the first connector
is engaged
with the first anchorage of the vehicle seat and the second connector is
engaged
with the second anchorage of the vehicle seat. The second web may remove the
slack in the first web, resulting from the first web being biased by the
elastic web to
the length shorter than the first length, when the second web is drawn through
the
locking web adjuster.
[0021] The locking web adjuster may comprise a web locking member having
a biased position relative to the locking web adjuster that normally secures
the
second web to the locking web adjuster, the web locking member movable away
from the biased position to allow movement of the second web through the
locking
web adjuster.
[0022] The mounting system may further comprise a seat cover mounted to
the booster seat.
[0023] The mounting system may further comprise first and second armrest
covers configured to be mounted to the first and second armrests respectively.
[0024] The mounting system may further comprise a cup holder mounted to
the booster seat.
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[0025] The mounting system may further comprise a carrying bag sized to
receive the booster seat therein when not secured to the vehicle seat. At
least one
carrying strap may be mounted to the carrying bag.
[0026] The mounting system may further comprise a web length adjuster
having the first web extending therethrough so that the first web is
adjustable in
length. The web length adjuster may be positioned between the booster seat and
the at least one connector.
[0027] The at least one connector may comprise a first connector attached to
one end of the first web and configured to releasably engage a first anchorage
of the
vehicle seat, and a second connector attached to an opposite end of the first
web
and configured to releasably engage a second anchorage of the vehicle seat.
The
mounting system may further include a web length adjuster having the first web
extending therethrough so that the first web is adjustable in length. The web
length
adjuster may be positioned between the booster seat and one of the first and
second
connectors. The mounting system may further include first and second web
length
adjusters having the first web extending therethrough so that the first web is
adjustable in length. The first web length adjuster may be positioned between
the
booster seat and the first connector and the second web length adjuster
positioned
between the booster seat and the second connector.
[0028] The first web may be a fixed-length web having one end secured to the
booster seat and an opposite end. The at least one connector may comprise a
first
connector mounted to the opposite end of the first web. The one end of the
first web
may be secured to one side of the booster seat. The system may further include
a
second fixed-length web having one end secured to an opposite side of the
booster
seat and an opposite end, and a second connector mounted to the opposite end
of
the second web, the second connector configured to releasably engage a second
anchorage of the vehicle seat.
[0029] A portable restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat may comprise
a booster seat, a locking web adjuster mounted to the booster seat, and a
mounting
assembly configured to secure the booster seat to the vehicle seat. The
mounting
assembly may comprise a first web coupled to the booster seat. The first web
may
have at least one connector attached thereto and configured to releasably
engage a
first anchorage of the vehicle seat. A second web may be attached to the first
web
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and it may extend through the locking web adjuster. The second web may be
configured to be drawn through the locking web adjuster to remove slack in the
first
web after the at least one connector engages the anchorage. The locking web
adjuster may be configured to secure the second web thereto.
[0030] The restraint system may further comprise a multiple-point restraint
harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a passenger
positioned on the booster seat.
[0031] The restraint system may further comprise a mounting harness coupled
to the multiple-point restraint harness. The mounting harness may have at
least one
connector attached thereto and configured to releasably engage an anchorage of
the
vehicle. The anchorage of the vehicle may comprise a second anchorage of the
vehicle seat. The multiple-point restraint harness may be a five-point
restraint
harness.
[0032] The multiple-point restraint harness may be removably mounted to the
booster seat.
[0033] The restraint system may further comprise a restraint harness coupled
to the vehicle seat and configured to extend about and restrain a passenger
positioned on the booster seat. The restraint harness may be a three-point
restraint
harness comprising a shoulder portion and a lap portion.
[0034] The restraint system may further comprise first and second arm rests
extending from the booster seat adjacent opposite sides thereof. The first and
second arm rests may be configured to allow the lap portion of the three-point
restraint harness to extend about the passenger between each of the first and
second arm rests and the booster seat.
[0035] The restraint system may further comprise an auxiliary harness having
one end mounted to the booster seat and an opposite end, and an engagement
member mounted to the opposite end of the auxiliary harness. The engagement
member may be configured to engage the lap portion of the three-point
restraint
harness. The three-point restraint harness and the auxiliary harness may
cooperatively define a four-point restraint harness.
[0036] The first web may have a first length. The restraint system may further
including an elastic web coupled to the first web. The elastic web may
normally bias
the first web to a second length shorter than the first length. The elastic
web may be
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extendable under tension applied between opposing ends of the first web to
allow
the first web to assume lengths between the first and second lengths. The
booster
seat may define at least one connector storage port configured to receive the
at least
one connector. The first web may draw, under bias of the elastic web, the at
least
one connector into the at least one connector storage port when the at least
one
connector is not engaged with the anchorage of the vehicle seat. The elastic
web
may bias the first web to a length shorter than the first length when the at
least one
connector is engaged with the anchorage of the vehicle seat. The slack in the
first
web may result from the first web being biased by the elastic web to the
length
shorter than the first length.
[0037] The at least one connector may include a first connector attached to
one end of the first web and configured to releasably engage a first anchorage
of the
vehicle seat, and a second connector attached to an opposite end of the first
web
and configured to releasably engage a second anchorage of the vehicle seat.
The
booster seat may define a first connector port adjacent one side thereof and a
second connector storage port adjacent an opposite side thereof. The first and
second connector ports may be configured to receive the first and second
connectors respectively. The first web may draw, under bias of the elastic
web, the
first and second connectors into the first and second connector storage ports
respectively when the first and second connectors are not engaged with the
first and
second anchorages respectively of the vehicle seat. The elastic web may bias
the
first web to a length shorter than the first length when the first connector
is engaged
with the first anchorage of the vehicle seat and the second connector is
engaged
with the second anchorage of the vehicle seat. The second web may remove the
slack in the first web, resulting from the first web being biased by the
elastic web to
the length shorter than the first length, when the second web is drawn through
the
locking web adjuster.
[0038] A portable restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat may comprise
a booster seat, and a carrying bag configured to receive the booster seat
therein.
The carrying bag may have at least one carrying strap mounted thereto.
[0039] The portable restraint system may further comprise a multiple-point
restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a
passenger
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positioned on the booster seat. The carrying bag may be configured to receive
a
combination of the booster seat and the multiple-point restraint harness
therein.
[0040] The portable restraint system may further comprise a multiple-point
restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a
passenger
positioned on the booster seat, and a mounting harness coupled to the multiple-
point
restraint harness. The mounting harness may have at least one connector
attached
thereto and configured to releasably engage an anchorage of the vehicle. The
carrying bag may be configured to receive a combination of the booster seat,
the
multiple-point restraint harness and the mounting harness therein.
[0041] The portable restraint system may further comprise a multiple-point
restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a
passenger
positioned on the booster seat, and a cover extending at least partially about
at least
a portion of the multiple-point restraint harness. The carrying bag may be
configured
to receive a combination of the booster seat, the multiple-point restraint
harness and
the cover therein.
[0042] The portable restraint system may further comprise a multiple-point
restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a
passenger
positioned on the booster seat, a cover extending at least partially about at
least a
portion of the multiple-point restraint harness, and a mounting harness
coupled to
the multiple-point restraint harness, the mounting harness having at least one
connector attached thereto and configured to releasably engage an anchorage of
the
vehicle. The carrying bag may be configured to receive a combination of the
booster
seat, the multiple-point restraint harness, the cover and the mounting harness
therein.
[0043] The portable restraint system may further comprise a multiple-point
restraint harness mounted to the booster seat and configured to restrain a
passenger
positioned on the booster seat, a mounting harness coupled to the multiple-
point
restraint harness, the mounting harness having at least one connector attached
thereto and configured to releasably engage an anchorage of the vehicle, a
cover
extending at least partially about at least a portion of the multiple-point
restraint
harness, and a head rest member having one end configured to be received
within
the cover, or configured to be coupled to the restraint harness, and an
opposite end
defining first and second head rest protrusions each extending from opposite
sides
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of the head rest member. The carrying bag may be configured to receive a
combination of the booster seat, the multiple-point restraint harness, the
cover, the
mounting harness and the head rest member therein. The portable restraint
system
may further include first and second arm rests extending from the booster seat
adjacent opposite sides thereof.
[0044] The carrying bag, with the combination of the booster seat, the
multiple-point restraint harness, the cover, the mounting harness and the head
rest
member received therein, may sized to be stowed under a passenger seat of a
commercial air craft. Alternatively or additionally, the carrying bag, with
the
combination of the booster seat, the multiple-point restraint harness, the
cover, the
mounting harness and the head rest member received therein, may be sized to be
stowed in an overhead storage compartment of a commercial air craft.
[0045] The first and second arm rests may extend outside of the carrying bag
when the booster seat is received within the carrying bag.
[0046] The carrying bag may further include means for securely closing the
carrying bag with the combination of the booster seat, the multiple-point
restraint
harness, the cover, the mounting harness and the head rest member received
therein.
[0047] The at least one carrying strap may be sized to extend over a shoulder
of a person transporting the carrying bag. Alternatively or additionally, the
at least
one carrying strap may include first and second carrying straps sized to
extend over
opposite shoulders of a person transporting the carrying bag. Alternatively or
additionally, the at least one carrying strap may comprise a carrying handle.
[0048] A portable restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat may comprise
a booster seat, a restraint harness mounted to the booster seat, and a
mounting
harness coupled to the restraint harness. The restraint harness may be
configured
to restrain a passenger positioned on the booster seat. The mounting harness
may
have a connector attached thereto configured to releasably engage an anchorage
of
the vehicle.
[0049] The vehicle seat may have a seat bottom and a seat back, and the
seat back may define a front surface and an opposite rear surface. The
anchorage
of the vehicle may be mounted to the vehicle seat and positioned on the rear
surface
of the seat back. The mounting harness may extend over the seat back and along
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the rear surface to the anchorage. Alternatively, the anchorage of the vehicle
may
be mounted to the seat bottom. The mounting harness may extend over the seat
back and along the rear surface... Alternatively, the anchorage of the vehicle
may be
mounted to the vehicle behind the vehicle seat. For example, the vehicle may
have
a rear shelf located behind the vehicle seat. The anchorage of the vehicle may
be
mounted to the rear shelf. As another example, the vehicle may have a rear
wall
located behind the vehicle seat. The anchorage of the vehicle may
alternatively be
mounted to the rear wall. As a further example, the vehicle may have a cargo
floor
located behind the vehicle seat. The anchorage of the vehicle may be mounted
to
the cargo floor. As still another example, the vehicle may have one of a
ceiling and a
frame located above the vehicle seat. The anchorage of the vehicle may be
mounted to the one of the ceiling and the frame.
[0050] The restraint system may further comprise means for securing the
booster seat to the vehicle seat.
[0051] The restraint harness may be a multiple-point restraint harness. The
restraint harness may be removably mounted to the booster seat.
[0052] The restraint system may further comprise another restraint harness
coupled to the vehicle seat and configured to extend about and restrain the
passenger positioned on the booster seat. The restraint harness may be a three-
point restraint harness comprising a shoulder portion and a lap portion. The
restraint
system may further comprise first and second arm rests extending from the
booster
seat adjacent opposite sides thereof. The first and second arm rests may be
configured to allow the lap portion of the three-point restraint harness to
extend
about the passenger between each of the first and second arm rests and the
booster
seat.
[0053] The restraint system may further comprise an auxiliary harness having
one end mounted to the booster seat and an opposite end, and an engagement
member mounted to the opposite end of the auxiliary harness. The engagement
member may be configured to engage the lap portion of the three-point
restraint
harness, the three-point harness and the auxiliary harness cooperatively
defining a
four-point restraint harness.
[0054] The restraint system may further comprise a carrying bag sized to
receive the booster seat, restraint harness and mounting harness therein. The
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restraint system may further include at least one carrying strap mounted to
the
carrying bag. The restraint system may further include a carrying handle
mounted to
the carrying bag.
[0055] The restraint system may further comprise another restraint harness
coupled to the vehicle seat and configured to releasably engage an engagement
member mounted to the seat. At least one web may have one end attached to the
vehicle seat and an opposite end. The opposite end of the web may be
configured
to engage the another restraint harness and the engagement member to secure
the
booster seat to the vehicle seat. The opposite end of the web may define a
loop.
The loop may be configured to receive the another restraint harness
therethrough
with the another restraint harness thereafter engaging the engagement member
to
secure the booster seat to the vehicle seat. The at least one web may comprise
two
webs each having one end attached to the booster seat and each having an
opposite end configured to engage the another restraint harness to secure the
booster seat to the vehicle seat.
[0056] The restraint system may further comprise a headrest member
configured to be coupled to the restraint harness. The headrest member may
comprise a first protrusion configured to extend along one side of a head of
an
occupant of the booster seat and a second protrusion configured to extend
along an
opposite side of the head of the occupant. The first and second protrusions
may be
adjustably positionable toward and away from the head of the occupant. The
restraint system may further comprise a cushion configured to be coupled to
the
restraint system and positioned adjacent to the head rest between the first
and
second protrusions.
[0057] A mounting system for securing a booster seat to a vehicle seat may
comprise a first web coupled to the booster seat, a first web length adjuster
attached
to one end of the first web, and a first connector coupled to the first web
length
adjuster and configured to releasably engage a first anchorage of the vehicle
seat.
[0058] The booster seat may define opposing sidewalls with a seat surface
extending therebetween configured to support an occupant of the booster seat.
The
vehicle seat may comprise a seat bottom and a seat back defining a bight
therebetween. The first anchorage of the vehicle seat may be located in the
bight.
The first web may extend over and in contact with one of the opposing
sidewalls
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when the first connector engages the first anchorage of the vehicle seat. The
seat
surface of the booster seat may define a front end and a back end. The booster
seat
may further comprise opposing arm rests extending from opposite sides thereof
adjacent to the back end. The first web may extend over and in contact with
one of
the opposing sidewalls between the booster seat and one of the opposing arm
rests
when the first connector engages the first anchorage of the vehicle seat. The
booster seat may define a front end and a back end. The booster seat may be
configured to be received on the vehicle seat with the back end facing the
seat back
of the vehicle seat. One of the opposing sidewalls may be sloped downwardly
from
the back end of the booster seat toward the front end thereof.
[0059] An opposite end of the first web may be attached to the booster seat.
The opposite end of the first web may extend into the seat surface. The
opposite
end of the first web may extend through the seat surface to an opposite bottom
surface of the booster seat. The mounting system may further include a first
web
receiving member attached to the opposite end of the first web. The first web
receiving member and the booster seat may be configured to disallow passage of
the first web receiving member through the booster seat.
[0060] The mounting system may further include a second web coupled to the
booster seat, a second web length adjuster attached to one end of the second
web,
and a second connector coupled to the second web length adjuster and
configured
to releasably engage a second anchorage of the vehicle seat. The booster seat
may
define opposing sidewalls with a seat surface extending therebetween
configured to
support an occupant of the booster seat. The first web may extend from the
booster
seat over one of the opposing sidewalls when the first connector engages the
first
anchorage of the vehicle seat. The second web may extend from the booster seat
over the other one of the opposing sidewalls when the second connector engages
the second anchorage of the vehicle seat.
[0061] With a booster seat that may comprise opposing sidewalls defining a
seat surface therebetween, a first arm rest extending from the booster seat
adjacent
one of the opposing sidewalls and a second arm rest extending from the booster
seat adjacent the other of the opposing sidewalls, a mounting system for
securing
the booster seat to a vehicle seat may comprise a first web having one end
coupled
to the booster seat and an opposite end coupled to a first connector
configured to
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releasably engage a first anchorage of the vehicle seat, and a second web
having
one end coupled to the booster seat and an opposite end coupled to a first
connector
configured to releasably engage a first anchorage of the vehicle seat. The
first web
may extend over and in contact with the one of the opposing sidewalls between
the
first arm rest and one end of the booster seat when the first connector
engages the
first anchorage. The second web may extend over and in contact with the other
of
the opposing sidewalls between the second arm rest and the one end of the
booster
seat when the second connector engages the second anchorage.
[0062] The opposing sidewalls may each be downwardly sloped between
corresponding ones of first and second arm rests and the one end of the
booster
seat.
[0063] The first and second webs may comprise a single web.
[0064] The one end of the first web may be attached to the booster seat and
the one end of the second web may be attached to the booster seat. The one end
of
the first web may extend into the booster seat and the one end of the second
web
may extend into the booster seat.
[0065] The first and second anchorages may be positioned between a seat
back and a seat bottom of the vehicle seat.
[0066] The mounting system may further include a first web length adjuster
attached to the opposite end of the first web and to the first connector, and
a second
web length adjuster attached to the opposite end of the second web and to the
second connector. The first and second web length adjusters may be configured
to
provide for adjustment of lengths of the first and second webs respectively.
[0067] The mounting system may further include a restraint harness
configured to attach to the booster seat and to a third anchorage, the
restraint
harness configured to restrain an occupant of the booster seat.
[0068] A mounting system for securing a booster seat to a vehicle seat may
comprise a first web coupled to the booster seat and to a first connector. The
first
connector may be configured to releasably engage a first anchorage of the
vehicle
seat. The booster seat may define therein a first cavity configured to receive
and
retain therein the first connector for storage thereof when not otherwise
engaged
with the first anchorage.
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[0069] The booster seat may comprise opposing sidewalls with a seat surface
extending therebetween configured to support an occupant of the booster seat.
The
first web may extend over and in contact with one of the opposing sidewalls.
One
end of the first web may extend into the booster seat and an opposite end of
the first
web may be coupled to the first connector. The one end of the first web may
extend
into the seat surface of the booster seat. The booster seat may further
comprise a
bottom surface opposite the seat surface. The one end of the first web may
extend
through the seat surface and may be supported by the bottom surface of the
booster
seat. The booster seat may further comprise a bottom surface opposite the seat
surface. The first cavity may be defined in the bottom surface of the booster
seat.
[0070] The mounting system may further comprise a first web length adjuster
attached to the one end of the first web and also to the first connector. The
first web
length adjuster may be configured to provide for adjustment of a length of the
first
web.
[0071] The mounting system may further include a second web coupled to the
booster seat and to a second connector. The second connector may be configured
to releasably engage a second anchorage of the vehicle seat. The booster seat
may
define therein a second cavity configured to receive and retain therein the
second
connector for storage thereof when not otherwise engaged with the second
anchorage. The booster seat may comprise opposing sidewalls with a seat
surface
extending therebetween configured to support an occupant of the booster seat.
The
second web may extend over and in contact with one of the opposing sidewalls.
One end of the second web may extend into the booster seat and an opposite end
of
the second web may be coupled to the second connector. The one end of the
second web may extend into the seat surface of the booster seat. The booster
seat
may further comprise a bottom surface opposite the seat surface. The one end
of
the second web may extend through the seat surface and may be supported by the
bottom surface of the booster seat.
[0072] The booster seat may further comprise a bottom surface opposite the
seat surface. The second cavity may be defined in the bottom surface of the
booster
seat.
[0073] The mounting system may further comprise a second web length
adjuster attached to the one end of the second web and also to the second
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connector. The second web length adjuster may be configured to
provide for adjustment of a length of the second web.
[0074] The mounting system may further include a
multiple-point restraint harness configured to attach to the
booster seat and to a second anchorage. The multiple-point
restraint harness may be configured to restrain an occupant of
the booster seat. The multiple-point restraint harness may be
removably attachable to the booster seat.
An aspect of the invention also relates to a portable
restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat having a bottom
seat portion and an upwardly extending seat back portion,
comprising: a child seat restable atop the bottom seat portion
of the vehicle seat, a strap assembly a portion of which
extends upwardly from said child seat, said strap assembly
includes restraint straps forming a multiple-point restraint
harness with said restraint straps positionable adjacent a
child to be restrained atop said child seat and further having
a mounting assembly extendable adjacent the seat back portion
of the vehicle seat to be secured to hold said child seat to
the vehicle seat, said strap assembly includes length adjusters
for said restraint straps to effectively lengthen or shorten
said restraint straps relative to the size of the child, said
strap assembly further having a crotch connector mounted to
said child seat with said strap assembly further having a pair
of connectors mounted to said restraint straps that are
releasably engageable with said crotch connector to secure said
restraint straps to a crotch strap, a child seat back having an
erect in-use position relative to said child seat and a folded
storage position atop said child seat, said child seat back
extending upwardly from said child seat and concealing at least
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a portion of said mounting assembly, said restraint straps
extending upwardly from said child seat adjacent said child
seat back to an in-use position and connected to said mounting
assembly, and a carrying bag configured to receive the child
seat, said strap assembly and said child seat back therein, the
carrying bag having at least one carrying strap attached
thereto.
An aspect of the invention further relates to a
portable restraint system mountable to a vehicle seat with a
vehicle seat bottom and a vehicle seat back with a vehicle seat
back rear surface thereof, comprising: a child seat having a
child seat bottom restable on a vehicle seat and further having
a child seat back with a front surface and a rear surface, a
restraint harness mounted to the child seat, the restraint
harness configured to restrain a passenger positioned on the
child seat, said restraint harness having a crotch connector on
said child seat bottom and a chest strap extendable upwardly
from said child seat bottom and in front of said front surface
of said child seat back, said chest strap having a chest strap
connector releasable lockable to said crotch connector, and a
mounting harness having a mounting strap positioned in back of
said rear surface of said child seat back and being at least
partially concealed thereby with said mounting strap coupled to
the restraint harness, said mounting harness having a height
adjuster engaged with said chest strap and said mounting strap
to position said chest strap relative to child height, said
chest strap having a length adjuster to control the length of
said chest strap extending from said child seat bottom to said
height adjuster, and said mounting harness further having a
mounting connector attached thereto configured to releasably
engage an anchorage of the vehicle.
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16b
An aspect of the invention still further relates to a
safety restraint system for mounting a child to a vehicle seat
which has a vehicle back portion and a vehicle seat portion
comprising: a child seat restable atop a vehicle seat, said
child seat providing a base positionable atop a vehicle seat
portion of a vehicle seat, said base supporting a child
thereatop; a mounting assembly having a mounting strap, said
mounting assembly connected to said child seat and having a
portion extendable on a vehicle back portion of the vehicle
seat to secure said child seat to the vehicle seat; a restraint
assembly connected to said child seat to secure a child
thereto, said restraint assembly having a restraint strap with
a top end and a bottom portion, said restraint assembly further
having a crotch connector mounted to said base, said restraint
strap having a strap connector between said top end and said
bottom portion that is releasably lockable with said crotch
connector to secure the child to said child seat, and wherein
said bottom portion is connected to said child seat and said
top end is coupled to said mounting strap; and, a child seat
back extending upwardly from said child seat and at least
partially concealing said mounting strap; said child seat back,
said restraint assembly and said mounting assembly extendable
upwardly from said base to an in-use position but are foldable
enabling collapsing of said restraint assembly and said
mounting assembly adjacent said child seat when in a stored
condition.
An aspect of the invention also relates to a portable
restraint system mountable to a vehicle having a vehicle seat
to secure a passenger thereto and further having anchorages
comprising: a child seat with a child seat connector
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attachable to an anchorage of a vehicle; a restraint harness
for securing a passenger on said child seat and having a pair
of upwardly extending straps each with opposite ends mounted to
said child seat and further having strap connectors positioned
on said straps between said opposite ends; a crotch connector
mounted to said child seat to releasably receive said strap
connectors; a frame receiving said straps to hold said straps
upwardly; a mounting harness attached to said frame and
attachable to an anchorage of the vehicle to secure said frame
to the vehicle while holding said frame in an elevated position
to hold said straps upwardly; and, a belt assembly having a
pair of belts with opposite ends secured to said child seat,
said pair of belts each extend from said child seat through
said frame adjacent said pair of straps; wherein: said
restraint harness, said mounting harness, and said belt
assembly are flexible allowing collapsing thereof adjacent said
child seat with said frame to allow said child seat, restraint
harness, crotch connector, frame, mounting harness and belt
assembly to be stored in a collapsed condition.
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16d
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0075] FIG. 1 is a front view of a seat having one exemplary embodiment of
an illustrative restraint system mounted thereto;
[0076] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the seat of FIG. 1 depicting the back of the
illustrative restraint system.of FIG. 1;
[0077] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the seat of FIG. 1 depicting another
exemplary embodiment of an_ illustrative restraint system;
[0078] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the seat of FIG. 1 depicting the back of
another
illustrative restraint system;
[0079] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an illustrative seat portion showing
a
connecter in an extended position;
[0080] FIG. 5A is a partial view showing the connector of FIG. 5 in a stowed
position;
[0081] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an illustrative seat portion taken
generally
along the line 6--6 of FIG. 1;
[0082] FIG. 7 is.a plan view of an illustrative cover for use with any of the
illustrative embodiments;
[0083] FIG.. 8 is a front view of a seat having another exemplary embodiment
of an illustrative restraint system mounted thereto;
[0084] FIG. 9A is a front view of a seat having another exemplary embodiment
of an illustrative restraint system mounted thereto;
[0085] FIG. 9B is a front view of a seat having three exemplary embodiments
mounted thereto;
[0086] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another illustrative seat portion;
[0087] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the illustrative seat portion
of
FIG. 10;
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[0088] FIG. 12A depicts another illustrative cover for use with any of the
illustrative embodiments and having another illustrative lateral support
assembly in a
deployed position;
[0089] FIG. 12B depicts the illustrative cover of FIG. 12 with the lateral
support assembly in a stowed position;
[0090] FIG. 12C depicts the illustrative cover of FIG. 12 with the lateral
support assembly in an intermediate position between the stowed and the
deployed
positions;
[0091] FIG. 13 depicts an illustrative positioning piece for use with any of
the
illustrative embodiments;
[0092] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a booster seat
including a mounting system for securing the booster seat to a vehicle seat;
[0093] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 14 and shown in partial assembly;
[0094] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrating operation of the mounting system for securing the
booster seat to a vehicle seat;
[0095] FIG. 17 is another bottom perspective view of the embodiment shown
in FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrating operation of the mounting system for securing
the
booster seat to a vehicle seat;
[0096] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a booster
seat including an alternate mounting system for securing the booster seat to a
vehicle seat;
[0097] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the booster seat of FIG. 18
including another alternate mounting system for securing the booster seat to a
vehicle seat;
[0098] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
booster seat including an alternate mounting system for securing the booster
seat to
a vehicle seat;
[0099] FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of the booster seat of FIG. 18
including yet another alternate mounting system for securing the booster seat
to a
vehicle seat;
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[00100] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the booster seat of FIG. 18
including still another alternate mounting system for securing the booster
seat to a
vehicle seat;
[00101] FIG. 23 is a front perspective assembly view of yet another
embodiment of the portable restraint system;
[00102] FIG. 24 is a front perspective assembled view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 23;
[00103] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 23 and
24 illustrating positioning of the head rest option relative to the portable
restraint
system;
[00104] FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the portable restraint system
of
FIGS. 23-25 with the restraint harness and mounting harness, as well as the
optional head rest, cover, seat cover, arm rest covers and cup holder,
removed;
[00105] FIG. 27 is a front elevational view of the portable restraint system
of
FIG. 26 using the vehicle seat restraint harness to restrain the passenger
positioned
on the booster seat,
[00106] FIG. 28 is a front elevational view of a web height adjustment
assembly
configured for use with the portable restraint system illustrated in'FIGS. 26
and 27;
[00107] FIG. 29 is a magnified view of the web clamp portion of the height
adjustment assembly of FIG. 28;
[00108] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of the portable restraint system
of
FIGS. 26-27 implementing the web height adjustment assembly of FIGS. 28-29;
[00109] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of an auxiliary restraint harness
configured for use with the portable restraint system of FIGS. 26-27;
[00110] FIG. 32 is a front perspective view of the booster seat of FIGS. 26-27
with the auxiliary restraint harness of FIG. 31 mounted thereto;
[00111] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the booster seat of FIG. 32
implementing the auxiliary harness in a manner that converts the vehicle seat
three-
point restraint harness to a four-point restraint harness;
[00112] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a carrying bag configured to receive,
store and transport one or more components of the portable restraint system of
FIGS. 23-25;
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[00113] FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the carrying bag of FIG. 34
being
transported by a person.
[00114] FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a booster
seat including a mounting system for securing the booster seat to a vehicle
seat;
[00115] FIG. 37 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 36;
[00116] FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
36
and 37;
[00117] FIG. 39 is a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 36-38;
[00118] FIG. 40 is another side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 36-
39 mounted to a vehicle seat;
[00119] FIG. 41 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 36-40;
[00120] FIG. 42 is another bottom plan view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 36-41 showing the seat anchor connectors stored in corresponding
cavities
formed in the bottom of the booster seat;
[00121] FIG. 43 is a front perspective assembly view of yet another
embodiment of the portable restraint system using the booster seat illustrated
in
FIGS. 36-42;
[00122] FIG. 44 is a front perspective assembled view of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 43;
[00123] FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of yet a further embodiment of the
portable restraint system using the booster seat illustrated in FIGS. 36-42;
[00124] FIG. 46 is a front elevational view of the cushion illustrated in FIG.
45;
[00125] FIG. 47A is a front elevational view of the headrest member
illustrated
in FIG. 45;
[00126] FIG. 47B is a rear perspective view of the headrest member illustrated
in FIG. 45; and
[00127] FIG. 48 is a rear perspective view of the portable restraint system of
FIG. 45.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[00128] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of
the
invention, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments
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shown in the attached drawings and specific language will be used to describe
the
same.
[00129] The drawings depict several illustrative embodiments, which will be
described now in detail. Throughout the description and drawings, the same
reference numerals are used to refer to identical components in the different
embodiments, with the same description of those components applying
throughout.
In addition, reference numerals incremented by 100 or 200 generally are used
to
refer to substantially identical components, with the differences between the
embodiments described herein. In addition, it will again be appreciated that
unless
specified otherwise the various components described herein may be made from
any
suitable non-metallic, metallic, or composite materials, or a combination
thereof if
desired.
[00130] Referring to FIGS. 1-13, illustrative embodiments of the vehicle
restraint system are depicted. In the illustrative embodiments, the
illustrative
restraint systems 10, 110, 210, 310 are configured for use with a vehicle seat
11
comprising a generally vertically extending back portion 12 and a generally
horizontally extending seat portion 13. The back portion or seat back 12 and
the
seat portion 13 converge and meet in an area generally known as the bight 15
of the
seat. As used herein below, vehicle seat 11 in FIGS. 1-4 and 8-9 may be any
conventional vehicle seat found in for example a bus, a van, a truck, an SUV,
an RV,
a watercraft, or an aircraft, or, with the exception of the embodiment
illustrated in
FIG. 9A, one-half or one-third of a two-passenger or three-passenger seat etc.
found
in any such vehicle.
[00131] Illustrative restraint systems 10, 110, 210, 310 comprise generally a
seat base 18, 118, 318 such as for example a booster seat 18, 118, 318, a
restraint
assembly 20, 220 and a mounting assembly 40, 140, 240, 340. As will be
explained
further, the vehicle's own restraint system may be used in addition to or in
lieu of
mounting assembly 40, 140, 240 to mount booster seat 118. The booster seat 18,
118, 318 may be of any suitable design. For example, and without limitation,
it may
be molded from plastic, or other suitable metallic, non-metallic or suitable
composite
material and may be contoured. Illustratively, as best seen in FIGS. 5, 10,
and 11,
booster seat 18, 118 comprises a top surface 96, a bottom surface 97 opposite
and
spaced apart from the top surface 96, a front surface 98 spaced apart and
opposite a
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rear surface 100, and spaced apart side surfaces 99 disposed generally between
or
adjacent to the top 96, bottom 97, front 98 and rear 100 surfaces. The top
surface
96 may be contoured to conform to a human body. As seen in FIG. 9A, booster
seat
318 comprises intervening side surfaces 399 that divide the top surface 96
into
multiple top surfaces 96A, 96B and 96C to accommodate or support a passenger
or
occupant on each of these surfaces 96A-C. The side surfaces 99 depicted in
FIG.
9A are somewhat exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may or may not be of
lesser height in actual commercial embodiments. In any event, the intervening
side
surfaces 399 may be formed in the booster seat 318 with a vertical height less
than
the height of the side surfaces 99. While two intervening side surfaces 399
are
depicted, it will be appreciated that a single intervening side surface 399,
in excess
of two intervening side surfaces, or no intervening side surfaces 399 at all
would fall
within the scope of the invention. For example and without limitation, base
318
might be formed with a single intervening side surface 399 to accommodate only
two
occupants, or formed with three intervening side surfaces 399 to accommodate
four
occupants as desired, or might be formed with no intervening side surfaces 399
to
accommodate two to four occupants depending on the number of restraint
assemblies. No matter the number of passenger or occupant sections desired, it
will
be appreciated that the booster seat base 318 of system 310 may be of
monolithic
construction. Such monolithic construction may be rigid across the length of
the
booster seat 318, or it may be for example collapsible. For example, though
integrally connected to each other, as by a hinge, occupant section 96A may
fold
over on top of section 96B and section 96C may fold under section 96B. In
other
embodiments, the various occupant sections 96A-C may comprise wholly separate
sections that may be releasably joined together for occupant use and then
disassembled for ease of transport. It will be appreciated, however, that when
the
booster seat base 318 is mounted to the vehicle seat 11, it may be desirable
that the
base 318 be rigidly assembled. It is also the case, as noted above, that two
or three
or more restraint systems 10, 110, 210 may separately be disposed on a two-
passenger or three-passenger seat such that two or three separate booster
seats 18,
118 are disposed on the vehicle seat 11 as shown for example in FIG. 9B. In
such a
case, or even if only one booster seat 18, 118 is mounted to the vehicle seat
as seen
in FIG. 2, it might be desirable to use a positioning member 107, such as for
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example and without limitation the illustrative positioning member depicted in
FIG.
13. Positioning member 107, which illustratively (FIGS. 2 and 9B) may be
adjacent
to or even coupled to the seat back top portion 14, comprises a plurality of
voids or
loops 108A-C configured to position the mounting assemblies on the seat 11.
Illustratively, positioning member 107 may be fashioned from any suitable
flexible,
semi-flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material and such material may be metallic,
non-
metallic or composite in composition. For example and without limitation,
positioning
member 107 may be fashioned out of a flexible or semi-flexible belt or web
material
looped back on itself and coupled together at various points 109 to form loops
or
voids 108A-C. The coupling points 109 may be formed using for example and
without limitation sewing, gluing, melting, cementing, riveting, hook and
loop, tacking
and the like. It will be appreciated that while three loops or voids 108A-C
are
illustrated, the positioning member could be fashioned with two loops or four
or more
loops as desired. For example, in the case of a vehicle having seats with only
one or
two positions, the positioning member 107 may be formed with only one or two
loops
108. Positioning member 107 may be permanently or non-permanently coupled to
the vehicle seat, for example and without limitation to the top portion 14 of
the seat
back portion 12 (FIG. 2), or to the back portion 12 itself or to the opposite
back
surface 16 of the back portion 12. The positioning member 107 could even be
used
with system 310 of FIG. 9A. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the positioning member
107
need not be coupled to the vehicle seat at all as the one or more sets of
straps 42,
43, will keep the positioning member 107 in place. It will be appreciated that
the use
of a positioning member 107 may necessitate the elimination of cross member 58
and V-member 63, or the use of a non-permanently attached or removable cross
member 58 and V-member 63 as further described below.
[00132] The illustrative booster seats 18, 118, 318 may be equipped with any
desired amount and composition of cushioning and may be covered by cloth or
other
suitable material such as for example the cover 180 depicted in FIG. 7 as will
be
explained further below. The booster seat or base 18, 118, 318 illustratively
may be
formed with various indentations 93, 102 (FIGS. 5 and 6), which may for
example
provide rigidity while reducing weight. The booster seat or base 18, 118, 318
illustratively may accommodate occupants from about 30 pounds up to about 90
pounds. Looking at FIGS. 6, 10 and 11, it can be seen that the booster seat
18, 118,
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23
318 may also be formed with various anchor points, such as for example
mounting
assembly anchor points 86 and 85, each illustratively formed with a void 87
therethrough, and restraint assembly anchor points 81 and 82, each also
illustratively
formed with a void 83 therethrough. Also formed through at least a portion of
each
side surface 99 and the rear surface 100 may be one or more recesses 103,
which
are sized to receive any of a number of suitable connectors such as for
example and
without limitation connector 68. Additional recesses (not shown), each sized
to
receive therein an additional connector 68, may also be formed through rear
surface
100. For example, additional recesses might be desired in the vicinity of
intervening
side surface(s) 399. Examples of some suitable illustrative connectors 68 are
disclosed in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 6,962,394. As will be explained,
indentations 102
also facilitate the grasping and manipulation of illustrative connector 68 by
a user. The
booster seat 18, 118, 318 further comprises a web quide 88, which is formed
with a
void 89 therethrough. The various voids 83, 87, 89 illustratively help lighten
the base
18, 318 and may provide rigidity, as well as anchor points. It will be
appreciated that
the booster seat 18, 118, 318 could also serve as a carrying case, similar to
for
example and without limitation, a suitcase or brief case, having a handle (67
and not
shown) and configured to hold and store therein or thereon the restraint and
mounting assemblies. The booster seat 18, 118, 318 may be configured to mount
to
vehicle seat 11 and properly position an occupant for use of the restraint
assembly
20, 220, which is attached to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 as will now be
explained.
[00133] The restraint assembly 20, 220 and the mounting assembly 40, 140,
240, 340 may each be attached to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 and associated
or
coupled to each other as described herein. Each mounting assembly 40, 140,
240,
340 generally comprises one or more flexible or semi-flexible members such as
for
example without limitation webs, belts, straps, ropes, or the like.
Illustratively, the
restraint assembly 40 of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises
five
wrap around flexible or semi-flexible members, namely, a pair of over webs 42,
43, a
pair of under webs 52, 53 and a third under strap or web 62. The illustrative
pair of
over webs 42 and 43 straddle over the top portion 14 of the back portion 12
with
each web 42, 43 having opposing ends that proceed over and downwardly away
from the top portion 14 along at least a portion of the front surface of back
portion 12
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and along at least a portion of the opposite back surface 16 of back portion
12. The
first opposing end portions of webs 42, 43 proceed down the front surface of
back
portion 12 and are coupled to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 by any suitable
means,
such as for example, without limitation, by rivet, screw, cement, tack, slot
and
spindle, snap, hook and loop, zipper, button, melting, tongue and buckle and
the like,
and even illustrative connector 68 may be used. For example, the first
opposing end
portions of webs 42, 43 may couple to the seat 18, 118, 318 at one or more of
the
mounting assembly anchor points 86 formed in the booster seat 18, 118, 318 as
seen for example in FIG. 6. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that
other
mounting assemblies, such as for example the illustrative mounting assembly
140
depicted in FIG. 3, fall within the scope of the invention. In mounting
assembly 140,
the first opposing end portions of webs 42, 43 illustratively form connecting
member
44. Connecting member 44 may be made from any suitable flexible, semi-
flexible,
rigid or semi-rigid material. It may comprise a strap, web, rope, belt or the
like. So
too, it may be fashioned from any suitable plastic, metallic, non-metallic, or
composite material. The connecting member 44 illustratively forms a V-shape.
It
may be a single monolithic member or it may be comprised of several members
which form the V-shape, converging toward and coupling to member 41 as
depicted.
So too, for example, web portions 42, 43 may fold back on themselves, and
illustratively, be sewn, melted, glued, cemented, riveted, tacked, or the like
to
themselves in order to create the angled, or V-portions 44. One of other
suitable
alternatives may be for example to couple the first opposing end portions of
webs 42,
43 to separate lengths of web 44, or other suitable material, to form the V-
portions.
Member 41, may be any suitable flexible, semi-flexible or rigid member.
Illustratively, member 41 comprises a flexible or semi-flexible member such as
a
web, belt, strap, or rope. Illustratively, connecting member 44 may be
attached to
web 41 by any suitable means such as for example and without limitation by
sewing,
gluing, melting, cementing, riveting, hook and loop, tacking and the like. Web
41
illustratively proceeds down at least a portion of the front surface 12 and
attaches to
the booster seat 18, 118, 318 at a suitable mounting assembly anchor point 86
depicted for example in FIG. 6, or at a mounting assembly anchor point (not
shown)
formed generally somewhere between the anchor points 86 depicted in FIG. 6, or
even elsewhere on booster seat 18, 118, 318. It will be appreciated that even
further
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61211-2035
illustrative mounting assembly embodiments are suitable, for example, web 41
could
form or be connected to additional connecting member V-portions at the
opposing
end of web 41 opposite the depicted V-portions of connecting member 44, each
of
which in turn could attach to mounting assembly anchor points 86. So too, one
or
more additional members (not shown) could be placed adjacent the webs 42, 43
and
proceed generally parallel thereto, attaching, for example, to cross member 58
(FIGS. 2 and 4) and/or to cross member 59 (FIGS. 1 and 3), each described in
more
detail below, and to booster seat 18, 118, 318 at one of the already described
anchor
points, or yet another mounting assembly anchor point 86.
[00134] The opposing second end portions of webs 42, 43 generally proceed
down at least a portion of the opposite back surface 16 as best seen in FIGS.
2 and
4. Illustratively, web adjusters 46 and 47 are movably disposed on respective
webs
42 and 43. Web adjusters 46 and 47 may each be equipped with a conventional
fastener 45, such as for example, without limitation, the pictured snap hook
45.
Although the snap hook 45 is connected to the web adjuster 46, 47 by a piece
of
web, it may also be an integral part of the web adjuster, or connected to the
web
adjuster through any other suitable means. Non-exclusive examples of suitable
snap hooks 45 and snap hooks integrated with web adjuster's are Mclosed in
commonly owned U.S. patent publication number 2003-0197415 Al. Another non-
exclusive
example of a suitable fastener is the aforementioned connector 68, which is
depicted in FIG. 5.
Other fasteners or connectors known in the art could be used as well. Webs 42
and
43 may, but need not be associated by one or more cross-members 58, 59 which
may be any suitable flexible, semi-flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid member.
Illustratively,
the cross-member 58 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and the cross-member 59 best seen
in FIG. 3 may be a length of web, strap, rope, belt, and the like, without
limitation.
So too, the cross-members 58, 59 may be a piece of plastic or other rigid or
semi-
rigid member.
[00135] Referring to FIG. 2, the illustrative pair of flexible or semi-
flexible
members or under webs 52 and 53 each have opposing end portions. The first
opposing end portions of each web 52 and 53 proceed down at least a portion of
the
back surface 16, proceed through the bight 15 of the seat emerging at the
bottom of
the front surface of the back 12, and are coupled to the booster seat 18, 118,
318 by
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any suitable means, such as for example, without limitation, by rivet, screw,
cement,
tack, slot and spindle, snap, hook and loop, zipper, button, melting, tongue
and
buckle, or other suitable fastener or connector, such as for example connector
68,
and the like. Any such suitable coupling or fastener means may attach to the
booster seat at one or more of the aforementioned mounting assembly anchor
points
86 shown in FIG. 6, or as described herein. The second opposing end of each
web
52 and 53 is equipped with a coupling member 54 which defines a coupling hole
55
therethrough. The coupling hole 55 is sized to receive and couple with the
fastener
45 or other suitable connector in order to couple together webs 42 and 43 with
respective webs 52 and 53. It will be appreciated that the webs 42 and 43 may
be
coupled together with webs 52 and 53 using any other suitable means. By way of
example, and without limitation, webs 42 and 43 may be coupled together with
webs
52 and 53 using: hooks and loops, seat belt buckles and tongues, snaps,
zippers
and the like or any suitable connector such as for example connector 68, or
any
combination thereof. So too, as will be explained, webs 42 and 52, and/or webs
43
and 53 respectively may be combined together each to form a single web. In
other
words, a single web may replace the combination of webs 42 and 52, and/or the
combination of webs 43 and 53, which single web(s) 42/52 and/or 43/53 could
connect directly to anchor points 86 using fastener 45 or connector 68, for
example.
Also, one or both fasteners 45, or connector 68 for example, could couple
directly to
a tether anchorage such as for example the anchorage 60 of FIG. 4, or to a
lower
anchorage 21 of FIG. 3, rather than to webs 52, 53 and/or directly to any of
the
anchor points 86 on booster seat 18, 118, 318
[00136] Illustratively, a third under strap 62 may by positioned between the
over
webs 42, 43 and between the under webs 52, 53 as depicted in FIG. 2. Although
each of these webs 42, 43, 52, 53, 62 is shown in spaced-apart relation to
each
other, they need not be spaced apart. Like the other webs 42, 43, 52, 53,
under web
62 may be made of any suitable flexible or semi-flexible material. Under web
62
comprises two opposing ends. First opposing end of under web 62 illustratively
is
coupled to each of webs 42, 43 by the use of connecting member 63. Like
connecting member 44, connecting member 63 may be any suitable flexible member
such as for example a strap, web, rope, belt or the like. Connecting member 63
may
also be a semi-flexible, semi-rigid or rigid member, for example a piece of
plastic or
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27
other metallic, non-metallic or composite material. As depicted, connecting
member
illustratively forms a substantially V-shaped member. It will be appreciated,
as
described above in conjunction with connecting member 44, that this V-shaped
connecting member 63 may be a monolithic member or it may comprise two or more
pieces joined together by any suitable means such as for example by sewing,
melting, gluing, cementing, riveting, tacking, or the like. It will also be
appreciated
that the connecting member 63 may be eliminated altogether, as for example in
the
case where the third under web 62 is coupled directly to the cross-member 58.
So
too, under web 62 could be coupled directly to only one of the over webs 42,
43. In
any event, the connecting member 63 illustratively is coupled to over web 42
at
position 64, to over web 43 at position 65, and to third under web 62 at
position 66
by stitching 77. While these couplings illustratively are accomplished using
stitching
77, as are the couplings of cross web 58 at positions 64, 65 and as are the
fasteners
45 and coupling members 54 to respective webs 42, 43, 52, 53, those skilled in
the
art will recognize that other suitable couplings, both permanent and
releasable or
non-permanent such as for example and without limitation, snaps, rivets,
tacks, hook
and loop, glue, cement, melting, and the like may be used. It will be
appreciated that
the transition between a single web, for example webs 41, 62, and a V-shaped
connecting member, for example connecting members 44, 63, may be aided by a
rigid or semi rigid spreader (not shown) as is known in the art. One of many
examples of a suitable spreader bar is found in U.S. Patent No. 4,660,889.
[00137] The second opposing end of under web 62 proceeds downwardly away
from cross-member 58 along at least a portion of the back surface 16, past the
bight
15, under seat portion 13 passing along the bottom surface of the seat portion
13,
upwardly around the front facing surface 17 of seat portion 13, and across at
least a
portion of the top surface of seat portion 13 to couple with booster seat 18,
118, 318
at mounting assembly anchor point 85 by any suitable means, such as for
example,
without limitation, by a snap hook 45, hook and loop, snaps, buttons, slot and
spindle, tongue and buckle, cement, or connector 68, and the like. Although
not
shown in FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that under web 62 may be equipped with
a
web adjuster 46 as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 4, in order to
adjust
the operable length of the web 62. The opposing end of under web 62 that
couples
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with the booster seat 18, 118, 318 may form or be attached to a connector
member
(not shown), similar to connector members 44, 63, to allow coupling to the
booster
seat 18, 118, 318 at more than one anchor point 85 (and not shown). In
addition, the
opposing end of under web 62 that couples with the booster seat 18, 118, 318
may
be attached to a fastener such as a snap hook 61 as shown in FIG. 4 or to a
connector such as connector 68 which may couple directly with anchor point 85,
as
noted above, or directly to a tether anchorage 60 as shown in FIG. 4 and
described
herein below.
[00138] While FIGS. 1 and 2 depict five separate webs 42, 43, 52, 53 and 62,
those skilled in the art will further appreciate that a single web, or two
webs, or any
other combination of one or more webs may be used to mount the booster seat
base
18, 118, 318 to the vehicle seat 11. While this notion was briefly described
above,
further description now follows. For example, the webs 42 and 43, together
with
respective webs 52 and 53, conceptually may each comprise a single length of
web,
for use alone or in combination with one or more other webs. In such a case,
for
example, web 42 and web 52, or web 43 and web 53, would comprise a single
length of web with the opposing ends of this length of web being attached to
the
booster seat 18, 118, 318 as described, for example using a central mounting
assembly anchor point, and with at least one of the opposing end attachments
being
releasable. More particularly, the single web (not shown) conceptually formed
by
combining web 42 and web 52, or web 43 and web 53, could attach to booster
seat
18, 118, 318 at an appropriately located mounting assembly anchor point 86 (or
not
shown), wrap around all or portions of the seat back 12, 14, 16, and either
pass
through the bight 15 and attach to one of the mounting assembly anchor points
86
(or not shown) or pass under the seat as web 62 may, and attach to mounting
assembly anchor point 85. This first single strap formed by either webs 42, 52
or
webs 43, 53, or perhaps any other suitable single strap or web, such as the
single
web 62 in FIG. 4, may be enough to mount the booster seat 18, 118, 318 to the
vehicle seat 11, however, a second single strap, could also be used in
conjunction
with the first single strap to mount the booster seat 18, 118, 318 to the
vehicle seat
11. For example, if the first single strap is formed by webs 42 and 52, then
the
second single strap could be formed by webs 43 and 53 to form a single length
of
web having at least one end attached to the booster seat in a non-permanent
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manner, and having the opposing end attached in either a permanent or non-
permanent manner for use with the first single web conceptually formed by
uniting
web 42 and web 52, or vice versa. So too, a single web could be used with the
separate combination of webs 42 and 52, or of webs 43 and 53 such that three
webs
would be used.
[00139] By way of example and without limitation, the booster seat 18, 118,
318
and mounting assembly 40 as just described may be mounted to seat 11 as
follows.
The booster seat 18 may be placed on a portion of the top surface of seat
portion 13.
Then the over webs 42, 43 may be coupled to the booster seat 18, if not
already
coupled to the booster seat 18 when placed on the seat portion 13. The webs
42, 43
may then be routed over the top portion 14 and down at least a portion of the
back
surface 16 as described and then coupled to the under webs 52 and 53 by mating
of
the fasteners 45 and couplers 54 as described. Illustratively, the webs 42, 43
could
also, but need not be routed through any one of the voids or loops 108A-C of
positioning member 107 as desired. If the third under web 62 is not already
coupled
to the over webs 42, 43, and/or if the cross-member 58 is not already coupled
to the
over webs 42, 43, then the third under web 62 and the cross-member or members
58 may be coupled to the webs 42, 43 as described. Then the under webs 52, 53
may be passed over at least a portion of the back surface 16 and through the
bight
15 and then connected to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 as described, and the
under
web 62 may be passed under and across the bottom surface of seat 13 and
attached
to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 as described. Then the loose ends 48 and 49
are
pulled away from respective adjusters 46, 47 to take the slack out of the webs
42,
43, 52, 53 as desired. So too, the slack may be taken out of under web 62
through
the use of a web adjuster 46 (FIG. 4) or other suitable means known to those
skilled
in the art. It will be appreciated that the foregoing steps may be
accomplished in any
other suitable order or way. For example, the under webs 52, 53 may be
attached to
the booster seat 18, 118, 318 and then passed through the bight 15 and then
passed
upwardly for coupling with over webs 42, 43. It will also be appreciated that
any of
the above described webs 42, 52, 43, 53, 62 may be augmented by additional
webs
and fasteners, or may be combined and/or eliminated, as explained above, such
that
a single web could be passed down the back surface 16, and through the bight
15 to
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couple to the booster seat 18, 118, 318, or down the back surface to couple
directly
to a tether anchorage or a lower anchorage attached to the vehicle.
[00140] A non-exclusive example of an illustrative mounting assembly 240
utilizing a single web is shown in FIG. 4. For convenience, the single web is
labeled
as 62, but it could just as easily have been labeled 42, 43, 52, 53 since any
single
web is contemplated. Mounting assembly 240 is substantially similar in many
respects to mounting assembly 40. Therefore, while additional webs such as for
example under webs 52 and 53 have been eliminated, over webs 43, 42, under web
62, cross member 58 and connecting member 63 are constructed and operate
substantially in accordance with the above description, with the exception
that, as
noted above, web 62 illustratively is equipped with a fastener 61 and web
adjuster 46
configured to attach directly to a tether anchorage. Therefore, as shown in
FIG. 3,
web 62 need not attach to the front of base or booster 18, 118, 318; although,
if
desired, a web attached to the front of base 18, 118, 318 and a web attached
to a
tether anchorage is contemplated. It will be appreciated that fastener 61 is
substantially similar to fasteners 45. Also, fastener 61 could be replaced by
a
connector, such as illustrative connector 68 and configured to attach directly
to a
lower anchorage such as anchorage 21. So too, any such fastener 45, 61 or
connector 68 could pass through the bight 15 and attach directly to the
booster seat
18, 118, 318 at, for example, mounting assembly anchor point 85. Although the
tether anchorage 60 is shown attached to the vehicle generally at the bight of
the
vehicle seat, it will be appreciated that it may be attached or coupled to the
floor of
the vehicle, under the seat portion 13, to the back portion 12, to the parcel
shelf (not
shown) of a vehicle, or to another suitable location as desired and perhaps as
described by rules and regulations such as for example and without limitation
FMVSS 225. The single-strap 62 configuration of mounting assembly 240 could
also
be equipped with a V-shaped connecting member at one or both ends, such as
connecting member 44 or 63, in order to provide more than one connection to
mount
to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 anchor points 85, 86 and/or to the vehicle's
anchorages 21, 60. This just described single-strap 62 back portion of
mounting
assembly 240 may be combined with the front portion of mounting assembly 40
(FIG. 1 and as described) or the front portion of mounting assembly 140 (FIG.
3 and
as described) or vice versa. It will be appreciated that the booster seat 18,
118, 318
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may be equipped with fasteners 45, 61 and/or connectors 68 which couple with
coupling members 54 attached to any of the end portions of any of the webs 42,
43,
52, 53, 62 of the various mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240, or directly to the
vehicle
as will now be described.
[00141] Restraint systems 110, 210, 310 represent further illustrative
embodiments. As noted above, restraint systems 10, 110, 210, 310 generally
comprise a seat base 18, 118 or 318, a restraint assembly 20, 220, and any of
the
mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240 previously described and combinations and/or
variations thereof. Thus, looking at restraint systems 210 and 310 of FIGS. 8
and 9,
while over webs 42, 43 and under web 62 are depicted generally as in FIG. 1,
any of
the configurations of mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240 may be used as depicted
in
FIGS. 1-4 and/or described herein. Indeed, the illustrative embodiment of FIG.
9
depicts a mounting assembly 340 comprising a mounting assembly portion having
over webs 42, 43 connected to the base 318 as in assembly 40 as well as
another
mounting assembly portion having over webs connected to connecting member 44
in
turn connected to the web 41 and in turn connected to the base 318 of FIG. 9
in for
example the manner depicted for mounting assembly 140 in FIG. 3. It will be
appreciated, therefore, that the illustrative embodiment 310 of FIG. 9 could
have any
of the mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240 applied consistently throughout the
mounting portions associated with each passenger or occupant support surface
or
section 96A-C, or any combination of the mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240,
such as
for example has just been described: It will further be appreciated that the
passenger support surfaces 96A-C depicted in FIG. 9 could be replaced by
individual
and generally unconnected booster seats 18, 118 representing any combination
of
mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240 and/or restraint assemblies 20, 220
associated
therewith. One or more of the under straps 62 shown in FIG. 9 could be
eliminated
altogether, or attached to a tether anchorage as in FIG. 4. For example, just
the
center strap 62 in FIG. 9 could be eliminated altogether and the left and
right straps
62 could be used and one or more of the remaining straps 62 may be attached as
already described or may be attached to a tether anchorage rather than to the
front
of booster 318. So, too, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 8, the strap
62 could
be eliminated altogether or attached to a tether anchorage 60, rather than to
the front
of the booster base 18, 118.
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[00142] In addition to or in lieu of the mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240
described above, restraint system 110 uses mounting fasteners and/or
connectors,
which are also adaptable for use with restraint systems 210 and 310. Thus,
restraint
systems 10, 110, 210, 310 may comprise fasteners 45, 61 or connectors such as
illustrative connector 68 carried by or attached directly to the booster seat
18, 118,
318. Referring to FIG. 6, for example, illustrative connectors 68 are received
in
recess 103 and are retained therein by one or more flexible, semi-flexible, or
semi-
rigid member, such as for example a web, belt, strap, rope or the like. For
example,
connector retention assembly 90 comprises web portion 91 and web portion 92
and
illustratively retains the connectors 68. More specifically, web portion 91
and web
portion 92 are coupled to each connector 68 at mounting aperture 94. While web
portion 91 and web portion 92 may be separate and discrete lengths of web
associated with each other by for example stitching, melting, hook and loop,
snaps,
rivets, gluing, cementing, and the like, they may also be associated by band
or clamp
95, or they may be a single length of web. In any event, web portion 92
illustratively
has an elastic or semi-elastic portion that allows the length of web portion
92 to
increase as a force along the direction of the arrows 69 in FIGS. 5 and 6 is
applied to
web portion 92. For example a user may grasp one, or both, of the connectors,
which grasp illustratively is facilitated by indentation 102, and pull the
connector
outwardly away from its recessed position (FIG. 5B) in the recess 103 in the
direction
of arrow 69. This force urges web portion 92 against the web guide 88, and
causes
the elastic portion of web portion 92 to expand. This force also urges web
portion 91
against the web guide 88 as web portion 91 is also pulled or urged in the
direction of
arrow 70 and/or 71. However, web portion 91 illustratively does not comprise
an
elastic portion; therefore, when web portion 91 reaches web guide 88 under
normal
conditions it will not lengthen and the outward movement of connector 68
generally
will be halted. Therefore, the degree of the connector's 68 travel outside of
the
recess 103 is generally limited both by the degree the elastic portion of web
portion
92 may be expanded and by the length of web portion 91. Illustratively, it is
the
length of web portion 91 that provides the ultimate limitation on the degree
of
connector's 68 travel outside the recess.
[00143] In operation, the illustrative booster seat 18, 118 of restraint
system
110 may be mounted to the vehicle seat 11 by pulling one of the connectors 68
out
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
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of recess 103 and engaging it with for example lower anchorage 21 (FIG. 3) or
other
suitable anchorage. In the engaged position, the lower anchorage 21, such as
for
example and without limitation a roundbar, is located behind the finger 78 of
the
connector 68. Thereafter, or at the same time, the other illustrative
connector 68
may be engaged with another lower anchorage 21. It will be appreciated that
the
connector(s) 68 may be fixedly attached to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 in a
ready
position, rather than extending from and retracting into the recess 113. In
such a
case, for example, the connectors 68 might be covered by a door or other
covering
and the need for the retention web assembly 90 would be eliminated. So too,
the
connectors 68 might be fixedly attached to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 but
pivot,
whether up, down, laterally or obliquely, from a recess into position for
engagement
without need for the retention web assembly 90. It would also fall within the
scope of
the invention for the connectors 68 to telescope out of recess 103 on some
type of
rigid, perhaps lockable and retractable railing system or an equivalent
thereof.
[00144] Even further ways of mounting the bases 18, 118, 318 to a vehicle seat
11 are contemplated. For example, and without limitation, a pair of opposing
slots
(not shown) may be formed through sides 99 to receive therethrough a belt or
other
flexible or semi-flexible member to mount the base 18, 118, 318 to a vehicle
seat 11.
For example and without limitation, a slot could be provided in each of
indentations
93 and a vehicle's integral seat belt passed through one of the slots, around
web
guide 88 and through the opposite slot. Such a seat belt might for example and
without limitation be the lap belt and tongue integral to an airplane seat,
which
tongue is passed through the opposing slots in succession and engaged with the
buckle connected to the other lap belt on the airplane seat to mount the
booster seat
18, 118 to the airplane seat. In another embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10 and
11,
the use of a vehicle's integral seat belt restraint system to mount the
booster seat
118, or the other booster seats 18, 318 if desired, to the vehicle is
facilitated by
arms, appendages or handles 67. Appendages 67 may but need not be an
integrally
formed part of booster seat 118 (or booster seat 18, 318 if desired) and may
be
shaped to form belt receiving channels 79. The lap belt of a two-point or a
three-
point vehicle restraint system may be received through the channels 79. It
will be
appreciated that booster seat 18 and 318 can also be formed with appendages 67
and in the case of booster seat 318, extensions to the vehicle's lap belt may
need to
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
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be used. In another embodiment, more than one of the vehicle's lap belts may
be
used to mount booster seat 318 to the vehicle. The use of a vehicle's
integrated
seat belt system to mount booster seat 18, 118, 318 to the vehicle may be used
alone or in combination with any of the mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240, 340
described herein and/or in combination with a connector 68 and anchorage
system.
Similarly, while engagement of the connectors 68, or even a single connector
68, or
perhaps more than two connectors 68, as just described is sufficient to mount
the
booster seat 18, 118, 318 to the vehicle seat 11, the booster seat 18, 118,
318 may
be further secured, if desired, using any of the mounting assemblies 40, 140,
240,
340 alone or in combination with the vehicle's integrated seat belt system(s)
as
already noted and described above. For example and without limitation, the
connector(s) 68 may be engaged with the lower anchorages 21, and then web 62
may be wrapped over the top 14 of the seat back 12, or under the seat 13, and
its
connector 61 attached to any suitable tether anchorage 60 as described. The
length
of web 62 may be adjusted through the use of web adjuster 46, or other
suitable
device. As just noted, a center web 62 could be attached to anchor point 85
and
routed downwardly to attach to a tether anchorage 60 on the floor, or routed
downwardly under the seat 13 to attach to a tether anchorage 60 in the bight
15 or
on the back 16 of the seat. So too, webs 42, 43, 52, 53, alone or in
conjunction with
web 62, could be routed and engaged as already described. Similarly, a single
web
could wrap around the seat and engage a tether anchorage 60, or attach
directly to
the booster seat as described herein to augment the mounting provided by
connector(s) 68. In another embodiment, the connector(s) 68 could engage with
one
or more anchorages 21, 60, one or more of the vehicle's integral seat belts
could be
routed through the booster seat 18, 118, 318 slots (not shown) or channel(s)
79, and
one or more webs connected to the booster seat 18, 118, 318 could be wrapped
around the vehicle's seat in any suitable manner. In other embodiments, the
vehicle's integral seat belts may be used alone, or the illustrative
connectors 68 may
be used alone, or one or more webs 41, 42, 43, 52, 53, 62, and/or 63 may be
wrapped around the seat 11 alone to mount the booster seat 18, 118, 318. In
short,
any combination or permutation of the various mounting assemblies 40, 140,
240,
340 of restraint systems 10, 110, 210, 310 may be used alone or in conjunction
with
each other and/or with the vehicle's integrated seat belt system, which in
turn may
CA 02551335 2008-05-29
61211-2035
be used alone, as described herein and equipped with any of the illustrative
restraint
assemblies 20, 220 which will now be described.
[00145] The restraint assembly 20 configured for use with the vehicle
restraint
systems 10, 110, 310 illustratively may comprise a four-point or a five-point
restraint
system. The illustrative restraint assembly 20 generally and illustratively
comprises
two lengths 36 and 37 of any suitable flexible or semi-flexible material such
as for
example without limitation a web, belt, rope, strap, and the like, having
respective
first ends 30 and 31 and respective opposing second ends 38 and 39. Second end
38 is attached to over web 42 and second end 39 is attached to over web 43 by
any
suitable means, such as for example without limitation by stitching, tape,
hook and
loop, cement, glue, melting, snaps, buttons, zippers, tacks and the like.
Illustratively,
a cross-member 59 (FIG. 3), as described above, may extend between over webs
42
and 43 and may be attached thereto and to webs 36 and 37 over or adjacent to
ends
38 and 39. Other cross-members (not shown) may be spaced apart along the
lengths of over webs 42 and 43 to further associate over webs 42 and 43.
Opposing
ends 30 and 31 are threaded through respective web adjusters 28 and 29. The
web
adjusters 28 and 29 illustratively may each be equipped with an integrated
conventional tongue configured to mate with a conventional buckle (not shown)
attached to the booster seat 18, 118, 318. In the alternative, the web
adjusters 28
and 29 may be attached directly to the booster seat 18, 118, 318. Disposed on
the
webs between the opposing ends 30 and 38 and opposing ends 31 and 39 are
conventional tqngues 26 and 27, which are configured to mate with conventional
buckle 23, which in turn is attached to booster seat 18, 118, 318 by
connecting
member 22. Connecting member 22 may be any suitable flexible, semi-flexible,
rigid, or semi-rigid material and may be attached to the booster seat 18, for
example,
at restraint assembly anchor point 82 (FIGS. 3 and 6). Although not shown,
connecting member 22 may optionally be equipped with a web adjuster operable
to
vary the length of connecting member 22. So too, as just noted, web adjusters
28
and 29 may be integrated with the tongues 26 and 27 as is known in the art. In
addition, a central type adjust system could be used, such as for example and
without limitation as disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 4,679,852.
Also, those skilled in the art will appreciate that an optional harness clip
75,
CA 02551335 2008-05-29
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36
described below, may be integrated with mid-belt adjusters (not shown) to
replace
or augment web adjusters 28, 29.
[00146] In operation, the webs 36 and 37 are placed over the shoulders of an
occupant or passenger 19 sitting on the booster seat 18, 118, 318 which has
been
mounted to the seat 11 in any of the ways previously described. The tongues
26, 27
are then mated or engaged with the buckle 23 thereby forming a five-point
restraint
with the webs 36 and 37 being divided by the tongues 26 and 27 into respective
lap
portions 24 and 25 and torso portions extending between the tongues 26 and 27
and
the ends 38 and 39. The ends of webs 36 and 37 proximate to the lap
portions.24
and 25 illustratively are attached to the restraint assembly anchor points 81
(FIGS. 3,
6 and 10). The fit of the five-point restraint assembly 20 may be adjusted
using the
web adjusters 28 and 29. The fit may further be adjusted by use of optional
and
conventional height adjusters 72 and 73 and the optional harness clip 75.
Examples,
without limitation, of suitable height adjusters are found in commonly owned
patent
number 6,886,889, and commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent publication
number 2006-0075609 Al, entitled WEB POSITION ADJUSTING DEVICE.
The various web adjusters mentioned throughout the illustrative
embodiments illustratively may also be in accordance with and implement the
disclosure of the WEB POSITION ADJUSTING DEVICE application if desired. As
explained in U.S. patent number 6,886,889, the height adjusters 72, 73 are
movably mounted to and configured to associate restraint webs 36 and 37 and
respective mounting webs 42 and 43. Adjuster 72, which may for example be of a
conventional 3-bar construction, slides up and down the lengths of web 42 and
web
36 in order to increase or decrease the operative length of web 36 and thereby
properly size the restraint assembly 20 about the shoulders of the passenger
or
occupant 19. Similarly, adjuster 73 slides up and down the lengths of web 43
and
web 37 in order to increase or decrease the operative length of web 37 and
thereby
properly size the restraint assembly 20 about the shoulders of the occupant
19. It
will be appreciated that cross-member 59 illustratively would set the upper
limit of
movement of the adjusters 72, 73, while the shoulders of the occupant 19
generally
would set the lower limit of movement, provided that the occupant's shoulders
are
CA 02551335 2008-05-29
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37
higher than the optional chest strap 32 and/or the connecting member 44, which
would otherwise set the lower limit of movement. Of course, in order to
accommodate taller occupants, the cross-member 59 could be placed further up
on
the mounting webs 42, 43, or, as noted, could be removed altogether if
desired.
Examples, without limitation, of suitable harness clips are found in commonly
owned
U.S. Patent No. 5,839,793 and U.S. Patent No. 5,873,635.
[00147] As another option, the restraint assembly 20 may be equipped with the
aforementioned chest web or strap 32 or other suitable flexible or semi-
flexible
member. One end of the optional chest web 32 may be attached directly to
either
over web 42 or over web 43, with the opposing end of web 32 being coupled to a
tongue 33, or a buckle 34, configured to mate with a corresponding buckle or
tongue
attached to the other over web 42 or 43 as the case may be. In the altemative,
as
seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, each opposing end of chest web 32 may be equipped with
either a buckle or a tongue, or one end could have a tongue and the other end
a
buckle, which is configured to mate with a buckle or tongue, as the case may
be,
attached to the respective over web 42, 43. Illustratively, a web adjuster may
be.
included on one or both ends of the chest web 32 to adjust the operable length
and
fit of the chest web 32 about an occupant 19. The chest web 32 may be
eliminated
(FIG. 9) or may underlie (FIGS. 1 and 9) or overlie (FIGS. 3 and 9) the
shoulder
webs 36 and 37 as desired in any of the illustrative.embodiments.
[00148] The embodiment of FIG. 8 comprises another illustrative restraint
assembly 220 that may provide additional support for an occupant, including
without
limitation a special needs passenger. Restraint assembly 220 illustratively is
configured for use with any of vehicle restraint systems 10, 110, 210, 310 and
generally comprises a torso or chest support assembly 201, a connecting member
222, and two lengths 236 and 237 of any suitable flexible or semi-flexible
material
such as for example without limitation a web, belt, rope, strap, and the iike,
having
respective first ends 230 and 231 and respective opposing second ends 38 and
39.
Second end 38 is attached to over web 42 and second end 39 is attached to over
web 43 by any suitable means, such as for example without limitation by
stitching,
tape, hook and loop, cement, glue, melting, snaps, buttons, zippers, tacks and
the
like. A cross-member 59 (FIG. 3), as described above, may extend between over
CA 02551335 2008-05-29
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38
webs 42 and 43 and -may be attached thereto and to webs 236 and 237 over or
adjacent to ends 38 and 39. Other cross-members (not shown) may be spaced
apart along the lengths of over webs 42 and 43 to further associate over webs
42
and 43. Opposing end 231 illustratively is threaded through tongue 227 and one
or
more web adjusters, such as for example and without limitation web adjuster
229. In
any event, tongue 227 is configured to engage with a conventional buckle and
or
combination buckle/adjuster 29 attached to the base 18, 318 at for example
anchor
point 81 (FIGS. 6 and 10) to releasably lock or secure the length of web 236
to the
booster or base 18, 118, 318. Alternative configurations are also
contemplated. For
example, and without limitation, tongue 227 could be integrated with a web
adjuster
to replace web adjuster 229. Illustratively, the opposing end of web 237
opposite to
end 39 may be attached to base 18, 118, 318, for example at anchor point 81
(FIGS.
6 and 10) in the vicinity of adjuster 28 in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the
opposite end may
be attached to an illustrative midbeit web adjuster 228. Anothcr length of web
224
could be attached at one end to the booster base 18, 118, 318 at for example
anchor
point 81 (FIGS. 6 and 10) in the vicinity of adjuster 28 depicted in FIG. 8,
with
opposing end 230 threaded through web adjuster 228. In either event, a tongue
226
may be disposed on the web portion between the torso portion 337 and where the
opposing end attaches to the base 18, 118, 318; illustratively between the web
adjuster 228 and the base attachment. When the tongue 226 engages a buckle or
combination adjuster and buckle 28, a lap portion 224 is formed.
Illustratively,
connecting member 222 is attached at one end to the base 18,,118, 318 for
example at anchor point 82 (FIGS. 6 and 10) and is equipped at its opposite
end 274
with a web adjuster 223. Connecting member 222 may be any suitable flexible,
semi-flexible, rigid, or semi-rigid material. In addition, a central type
adjust system
could be used, such as for example and without limitation as disclosed in
commonly
owned U.S. Patent No. 4,679,852. .
[00149] Restraint assembly 220 illustratively further comprises a chest or
torso
support assembly 201. Torso support assembly 201 generally comprises a chest
pad 204 and a web guide member 205. Illustratively, chest pad 204 may be
formed
of a cushioning material such as for example and without limitation rubber or
foam,
while the web guide member 205 may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid
metallic,
non-metallic or composite material such as for example and without limitation
plastic.
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
2835-200136 39
Illustratively, the chest pad 204 and web guide member 205 have a generally
circular
shape, although all shapes are contemplated, such as for example triangular,
square, rectangular, ovate, octagonal and the like without limitation. It will
also be
appreciated that the chest pad 204 and web guide member 205 could comprise a
single member. In any event, a pair of guide clips 206 and 207 are formed on,
and a
guide channel 209 is formed through the torso support assembly 201. A web
extension member 208, which may be any suitable flexible, semi-flexible, semi-
rigid
or rigid member, is formed on or attached to the torso support assembly 201 by
any
suitable means. The extension member 208 is illustratively equipped with a
tongue
280 configured to engage combination buckle and web adjuster 223, it being
appreciated that the combination buckle/adjuster could just be a buckle 223.
It will
further be appreciated that the tongue/buckle portion of the tongue 280 and
buckle/adjuster 223 combination may be of the quick disconnect type of tongue
280
and buckle 223. Illustratively, chest web or strap 32 or other suitable
flexible, semi-
flexible or semi-rigid member is threaded through the guide channel 209. One
end
of the chest web 32 may be associated or coupled directly to either over web
42 or
over web 43, with the opposing end of web 32 being coupled to a tongue or a
buckle
34, configured to mate with a corresponding buckle or tongue attached to the
other
over web 42 or 43 as the case may be. In another embodiment, as seen in FIGS.
1
and 3, each opposing end of chest web 32 may be equipped with either a buckle
or a
tongue, or one end could have a tongue and the other end a buckle, which is
configured to mate with a buckle or tongue, as the case may be, attached to
the
respective over web 42, 43. Illustratively, a web adjuster may be included in
the
buckle/tongue 34 combination on one or both ends of the chest web 32 to adjust
the
operable length and fit of the chest web 32 about an occupant or passenger 19.
[00150] In operation, the chest web 32 is wrapped about the occupant 19 and
the tongue/buckle/adjuster 34 operated to lock and adjust the fit of the web
32 about
the occupant or passenger 19 and to properly position the torso support
assembly
201 on the occupant or passenger 19. The shoulder webs 236 and 237 may then be
drawn across the occupant or passenger 19 as follows. Web 236 illustratively
is
drawn across the passenger 19, threaded through guide portion or clip 206, and
secured by engaging tongue 227 with its corresponding buckle. The fit of the
web
236 may then be adjusted by operation of the web adjuster 229. Similarly, web
337
CA 02551335 2008-05-29
61211-2035
may be drawn diagonally across the occupant 19 and the tongue 226 engaged with
its corresponding buckle as shown and thereby drawing the lap portion 224
across
the lap of the occupant 19. The fit of the lap portion 224 and the web 337 may
be
adjusted with the web adjuster 228 or other suitable web adjuster. It will be
appreciated that the lap portion 224 could also be attached at one end to a
web
retractor. Tongue 280 may be engaged with buckle/adjuster 223, with the
adjuster
223 operable to adjust or vary the length of the extension member 222. It will
be
appreciated that the above sequence is illustrative only, such that any of the
webs
32, 236, 237, 222 and their associated tongue/buckle connections may be made
in
any desired order. Moreover, the webs 236 and 237 could be threaded under the
guide members or clips 206 and 207 after the tongue 226, 227 and buckle
engagements are made. The fit of the restraint assembly 220 may be further
adjusted, at any desired time, by use of optional and conventional height
adjusters
72 and 73 as described herein above or in co-pending and co-owned WEB
POSITION ADJUSTING DEVICE U.S. patent publication no. 2006-0075609 Al.
The restraint assembly 220 may be configured for use with any of the mounting
assemblies 40, 140, 240, 340 and systems 10, 110, 210, 310 and variations
thereof
described herein.
[00151] Also depicted in FIG. 8 is an illustrative lateral support assembly
76.
As best seen in FIGS. 12A-12C, lateral support assembly 76 illustratively
comprises
a pair of spaced apart wings 101 movably coupled to a mounting member 105
having a front facing-surface 106, a pair of spaced-apart upper mounting slots
107, a
pair of spaced-apart lower mounting slots 108. The wings 101 may have suitable
cushioning over a suitable rigid or semi-rigid support structure (not shown).
The
support structure, and the mounting member 105 for example and without
limitation
may be formed from any suitable rigid or semi-rigid, metallic, non-metallic or
composite material such as plastic or the like. The cushioning may be foam,
rubber
or other suitable material and may be covered by cloth or other suitable
material if
desired. The support assembly 76 may be removable and adjustable. For example,
the support assembly 76 could be mounted to the seat 11 or to appropriate
portions
of the mounting assemblies 40, 140, 240, 340 and/or restraint assemblies 20,
220.
For example and without limitation the over webs 42, 43 may be threaded
through
the respective mounting slots 107, 108 of illustrative mounting member 105.
The
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webs 42, 43 could be threaded upwardly (relative to the page of FIG. 12A)
through
slots 108 and proceed across front-facing surface 106 and downwardly through
slots
107; or, they could be thread downwardly through slots 108 and along the back-
facing surface opposite to surface 106 and upwardly through slots 107. It is
unimportant how or in what order the webs 42, 43 are threaded through the
slots
107, 108. In addition, the support assembly 76 can be mounted to other webs,
for
example and without limitation, to webs 41, 44, and/or 59, alone or in
combination
with each other or with webs 42, 43. Additional mounting slots could be formed
in
the mounting member 105 to accommodate mounting via these other webs. The
support assembly 76 could also be mounted by other suitable methods, alone or
in
combination with each other or with the mounting slots 107, 108, such as by
for
example hook and loops, snaps, zippers or by any other suitable method or
structure. For example and without limitation the support assembly could be
attached to the webs 42, 43, or even to the seat back portion 12 by hook and
loops
or the like. No matter whether mounting member 105 or one or more of the other
suitable methods/structures for mounting is used, it is contemplated, that the
support
assembly 76 may be positioned up and down the length of the occupant or
passenger 19 from the occupant's head down to just above the booster seat 18,
118,
318. In addition, multiple support assemblies 76 could be accommodated. So,
for
example, one support assembly 76 could be positioned about the occupant's
head,
and another support assembly 76 simultaneously may be positioned under the
occupant's arms. Or, as depicted, a single assembly 76 may be positioned about
the occupant's 19 head. The wings 101 are movably attached to the mounting
member 105, or other suitable structure, by illustrative hinges 104. The
hinges are
configured with sufficient tension to allow the wings to be moved to a desired
position without the need to actuate any type of release mechanism and
generally
retained in that position without the need to engage any type of locking
mechanism.
If desired, however, any suitable locking and/or release mechanism may be
used.
As best seen in FIGS. 12A-C, the illustrative wings 101 may be positioned and
moved between a position generally parallel and adjacent to front-facing
surface 106
(not shown), a position generally perpendicular to mounting member 105 (FIG. 8
and
12A), a position generally parallel and co-planar with mounting member 105
(FIG.
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
2835-200136 42
12B), a position generally parallel and adjacent to the surface opposite front-
facing
surface 106 (FIG. 12C), and any intermediate positions therebetween.
[00152] It will be appreciated that the booster seats 18, 118, 318 may be
equipped with a lap belt system alone in lieu of any of the restraint
assemblies 20,
220 to restrain the occupant(s) 19. Furthermore, the booster seats 18, 118,
318
could be equipped with just a lap belt for use in combination with the chest
web 32
alone or with the chest web and torso support assembly 201 alone. Those
skilled in
the art will further appreciate that the tongues 26 and 27 in restraint
assembly 20
could be replaced by a single tongue configuration known to those skilled in
the art.
It will also be appreciated that the booster seat 18, 118, 318 could be
equipped with
a retractor mechanism such as for example and without limitation any automatic
locking retractor, which could then be integrated with the restraint system
20, 220.
Indeed, any conventional restraint system may be configured for use with the
mounting assembly 40, 140, 240, 340 and booster seat 18, 118, 318
combinations.
[00153] Referring to FIG. 7, an example of an illustrative cover and/or
cushion
180 is depicted. The optional cover 180 generally comprises a plurality of
panels or
sections. For example, an illustrative cover may comprise a seat panel 181, a
front
panel 182, one or more back panels 184, 185, a head panel 183, and a securing
tab
189. The cover 180 may further define a crotch slot 186, restraint belt
indentations
187, chest strap slits 188, mounting indentations 190, and shoulder strap
indentations 193. Creases or hinges 191, 192, and 194 are provided between the
panels. In operation, seat panel 181 may be laid on the upward facing surface
of the
booster seat 18, then folded approximately 90 degrees at crease 191 so that
front
panel 182 and head panel 183 lie generally perpendicular to seat panel 181
adjacent
the webs 41, 42, and/or 43. Back panels 184, 185 fold at creases 192 and wrap
around the webs 41, 42, and/or 43 until the back panels are generally behind
and
opposite front panel 182 such that the webs 41, 42, and/or 43 are sandwiched
between the front panel 182 and the back panels 184, 185. It will be
appreciated
that the back panels 184 and 185 may overlap each other in whole or in part,
or may
lie adjacent to each other in side-by-side relation. The webs 42 and 43 will
be further
sandwiched between the head panel 183 and the seat back 12. The connecting
member 22 may be routed through slot 186, the web lap portions 24, 25 may be
routed through the indentations 187, the optional chest strap 32 may be routed
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
2835-200136 43
through the slits 188, and the shoulder straps 36, 37 may be routed through
the
indentations 193 and then wrapped around and engaged about a passenger 19 as
described above. Mounting indentations 190 allow access to the connectors 68
and/or to mounting assembly anchor points 86. Securing panel or tab 189 folds
back
and around cross member 59 sandwiching the cross member 59 between tab 189
and head panel 183. The cover 180 may be held in place by any suitable method
to
include without limitation hook and loops, snaps, clasps, zippers, buttons,
ties, and
the like. The cover 180 may be fashioned out of any suitable natural,
synthetic or
composite material, such as for example and without limitation, leather,
cotton,
nylon, spandex, plastic, wool and the like and may contain any natural or
synthetic
cushioning such as latex, rubber, foam and the like. In addition, the cover
180 could
incorporate rigid or semi-rigid materials, whether natural or synthetic, to
provide
further support if desired. It will be appreciated that the cover 180 may be
fitted to
any of the illustrative embodiments 10, 110, 210, 310 described and depicted
herein.
In addition, the support assembly 76 optionally may be mounted to the outside
of
cover 180 or mounted inside the cover 180 as desired and generally as
described
above.
[00154] Just as restraint system 310 may be mounted to a seat 11 using any
one or combination of mounting assemblies 40, 110, 140, 240 described herein,
so
too any one or combination of the restraint assemblies 20, 220 and variations
thereof
or other restraint devices and methods described herein, may be used in
restraint
system 310. Illustratively, for example, FIG. 9 shows three variations of the
over
webs, chest webs, and mounting webs. So too, FIG. 9 could have depicted one or
more of the positions 96A-C with restraint assembly 220. It will be
appreciated, that
a uniform version is also contemplated, for example each occupant position 96A-
C
may be equipped with restraint assembly 20, or with restraint assembly 220 and
each with the same configuration of over webs, chest webs, and mounting webs.
[00155] Any of the booster seats 18, 118 and 318 illustrated and described
hereinabove may be secured to the vehicle seat 11 via a booster seat mounting
system. Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, one illustrative embodiment of such a
booster
seat mounting system 400 is shown for mounting another illustrative embodiment
of
a booster seat 418. It will be understood, however, that the mounting system
400
may be adapted for use with any of the booster seats 18, 118 and 318
illustrated and
CA 02551335 2008-05-29
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44
described herein. In any case, the booster seat 418 is, like the booster seats
18,
118 and 318, a backless booster seat in the sense that it comprises a seat
base with
no back support. The top side of the booster seat 418 is substantially
identical to the
booster seat 118 illustrated and described with respect to F1G. 10, and like
numbers
are therefore used to identify like components and features. While the bottom
side
of the booster seat 418 is configured somewhat differently than the embodiment
118
illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 11, as will be described in
detail
hereinafter, it does include many of the features of the booster seat 118 and
like
numbers are therefore used to identify like components. Additionally, the
booster
seat 418, like the booster seat 118, is configured to cooperate with a
connector
retention assembly 90. The connector retention. assembly 90 may be as
illustrated
and described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, and like numbers
are therefore used in FIGS. 14 and 15 to identify like components. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the booster seat mounting system
400
includes the connector retention assembly 90, at least one connector 68, a
locking.
web adjuster 402, and a web, belt or tether 404 coupled to the web retention '
assembly 90 and extending through the locking web adjuster 402. The locking
web
adjuster 402 may illustratively be a locking web adjuster of the type
illustrated and
described in commonly owned U.S. patent number 4,660,889, entitled HARNESS
WEB ADJUSTER WITH CHILD RESTRAINT SEAT. Alternatively, the locking web
adjuster may be any conventional web adjuster operable as described herein.
[00156] The locking web adjuster 402 is received within the redess 87 formed
through the front face 98 of the booster seat 418, and the locking web
adjuster 402 is
affixed or otherwise mounted to the booster seat 418 within this recess 87
using one
or more conventional fixation structures and/or techniques. The recess 87
formed
through the front face 98 of the booster seat 418 is in communication with a
generally V-shaped recess or channel 406 defined in the bottom 84 of the
booster
seat 418. One end of the web 404 is secured to the web portion 91 of the
connector
retention assembly 90 via a conventional web securing technique, and the
opposite
end of the web 404 extends through the locking web adjuster 402 as illustrated
in
FIGS. 14 and 15. The recess or channel 406 is also in communication with
connector recesses or ports 408 formed in either side 99 of the booster seat
418
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
2835-200136 45
adjacent to a rear wall 100 of the booster seat 418. The recesses or ports 408
are
sized to receive and store therein the connectors 68 as described hereinabove
with
respect to the recesses 103 illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6.
[00157] In one exemplary embodiment, the locking web adjuster 402 is
normally biased in a closed position so that it normally engages the web 404
extending therethrough and thereby inhibits movement of the web 404
therethrough.
In this embodiment, the locking web adjuster 402 must be manually manipulated
or
actuated in a conventional manner to open the locking web adjuster 402, and
then
manually maintained in the actuated position to allow the web 402 to travel
therethrough. When the locking web adjuster 402 then returns to its normally
closed
position when released. In one alternative embodiment, the locking web
adjuster
404 may be manually manipulated or actuated to open the locking web adjuster
402
and allow the web 402 to travel therethrough, and must then be again manually
manipulated or actuated to close the locking web adjuster 402. Such specific
embodiments of the locking web adjuster 402 are provided only by way of
example,
and other alternative embodiments of the locking web adjuster 402 are
contemplated
by this disclosure.
[00158] The recesses 81, 83 and 87 formed through the top 96 of the booster
seat 418 extend through the bottom 84 of the booster seat 418 as illustrated
in FIG.
15. These recesses 81, 83 and 87 are configured to receive and retain web
anchors
therein as will be illustrated and described hereinafter with respect to FIGS.
16 and
17. A bottom plate 412 is configured to be mounted to the bottom 84 of the
booster
seat 418 via a number of conventional fixation members. In the illustrated
embodiment, the bottom plate 412 defines a pair of elongated protrusions 414
oriented to extend generally between the front face or wall 98 and the rear
wall 100
of the booster seat 418. A pair of anti-skid members 416 are sized to be
affixed to
the elongated protrusions 414. The anti-skid members 416 are formed of one or
more conventional anti-skid materials, and may be attached to the bottom plate
412
as illustrated in FIG. 15 to inhibit movement of the bottom plate 412, and
hence the
booster seat 418, relative to the vehicle seat upon which the booster seat 418
is
placed.
[00159] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, operation of the booster seat
mounting system 400 will now be described. As described hereinabove with
respect
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
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to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6, the web 91 defines a length between the two connectors
68.
The elastic or partially elastic web 92 is sized and suitably attached to the
web 91
such that, with no tension applied to the opposing ends of the web 91, the
elastic or
partially elastic web 92 biases the web 91 to an effective length that is
shorter than
the otherwise full length of the web 91, as illustrated in FIG. 17. More
specifically,
with no tension applied to the opposing ends of the web 91, the effective
length of
the web 91 between its opposing ends is defined by the sum of the length of
the web
91 between one end of the web 91 and its attachment point to the web 92, the
length
of the web 92 in its relaxed state, and the length of the web 91 between its
opposite
end and its attachment point to the web 92. The force of the web 92 biasing
the web
91 to a shorter effective length has the effect of generally drawing and
maintaining
the connectors 68 into their respective recesses or ports 408, as illustrated
in FIG.
17, when the connectors 68 are not otherwise engaged with an anchorage or
other
structure. With sufficient slack provided in the web 404, the web 92 is
extendable
under tension applied to either or both of the ends of the web 91 to allow the
web 91
to assume lengths between the shorter effective length illustrated in FIG. 17
and its
otherwise full length.
[00160] The webs 91 and 92 are illustratively sized to allow the connectors 68
to be drawn away from their respective recesses or ports 408 farther than is
typically
necessary for engagement with corresponding anchorages provided in the bight
15
of the vehicle seat 11, as illustrated by example in FIG. 3. The slack in the
web 91
that provides for this feature facilitates connection of both connectors 68 to
corresponding vehicle seat anchors, particularly in embodiments of the vehicle
seat
11 where access by the both connectors 68 to the bight 15 of the seat is
difficult.
Accordingly, when the connectors 68 of the booster seat 418 are latched or
engaged
with corresponding anchorages of the vehicle seat 11, slack exists in the web
91.
Any force applied to the booster seat 418 in a direction away from the bight
15 of the
vehicle seat 11 that is sufficient to overcome the bias of the web 92 would
thus, in
the absence of the web 404 and locking web adjuster 402, allow corresponding
movement of the booster seat 418 away from the bight 15 of the vehicle seat
11.
[00161] The locking web adjuster 402 and web 404 cooperate with the webs 91
and 92 and associated connectors 68 to provide a mechanism for securing the
booster seat 418 tightly to the vehicle seat 11. Illustratively, the booster
seat 418
CA 02551335 2006-06-27
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may be securely mounted to the vehicle seat 11 by first manipulating or
actuating the
locking web adjuster 402 and advancing a sufficient amount of the web 404
through
the locking web adjuster 402 in a direction toward the webs 91 and 92 so that
the
connectors 68 may be easily drawn away from their respective recesses or ports
408. The connectors 68 may then be latched or engaged with corresponding
anchorages of the vehicle seat 11 as described hereinabove. After the
connectors
68 are engaged with corresponding anchorages of the vehicle seat 11, the
locking
web adjuster 402 is again manipulated or actuated to allow movement of the web
404 therethrough. The web 404 is then drawn through the locking web adjuster
402
in a direction away from the webs 91 and 92. One end of the web 404 is affixed
to
the web 91 so that the travel of the web 404 away from the webs 91 and 92
pulls the
web 91 in a direction away from the connectors 68, thereby reducing the slack
in the
web 91. When sufficient tension is applied to the web 404 in a direction away
from
the webs 91 and 92, all slack in the web 91 will be removed and the booster
seat
418 will be secured to the vehicle seat 11. Further tension may be applied to
the
web 404 to overcome outward force of conventional seat upholstery and padding
to
thereby urge or force the rear wall 100 of the booster seat 418 into the bight
15 of
the vehicle seat 11. In any case, when the booster seat is sufficiently
secured to the
vehicle seat 11 as just described, the locking web adjuster 402 is released so
that it
engages the web 404 and secures the web 404 thereto to inhibit movement of the
web 404 in either direction. The booster seat 418 may be removed from the
vehicle
seat 11 by following the foregoing process in reverse.
[00162] Those skilled in the art will recognize other structures and/or
techniques for securing the booster 418 to a vehicle seat. In one alternative
embodiment, for example, the booster seat 418 may be provided with only a
single
connector 68. In this embodiment, the end of the web 404 extending into the
booster
seat 418 may be attached to, or near, the free end of the web 91, and the
booster
seat mounting system 400 may be otherwise operable as described. Alternatively
still, the web 404 may be omitted and the free end of the web 91 may be passed
through the locking web adjuster 402, wherein the booster seat mounting system
400 is then otherwise operable as described.
[00163] Another illustrative embodiment of a system for securing a booster
seat
to a vehicle seat is illustrated in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, a booster
seat 518 is
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provided that is identical to the booster seat 418 except that the recess 87
provided
through the front face 98 of the booster seat 418 is omitted in the booster
seat 518 of
FIG. 18. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the free ends of the web 91 is
fed
through a conventional web length adjuster 520. The web length adjuster 520 is
attached to the connector 68 via a fixed length web 522. After both connectors
68
are engaged with corresponding anchorages of the vehicle seat 11, slack in the
web
91 is taken up by pulling the free end of the web 91 through the web length
adjuster
520. In an alternative embodiment, a web length adjuster and web 522 may be
interposed between each free end of the web 91 and its corresponding connector
68.
Yet another illustrative embodiment of a system for securing a booster seat to
a
vehicle seat is illustrated in FIG. 19. This embodiment is identical to the
embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 18 except that the connector 68 is replaced by a
conventional hook
member 524 having a hook-shaped end 526. The hook member 524 may include a
conventional stop member 528 configured to normally close the mouth of the
hook-
shaped end 526 as shown, or may instead omit the stop member 528. In either
case, another hook member 524 may or may not replace the connector 68 (not
shown) extending from the opposite side of the booster seat 518. The
embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 19 is otherwise identical in operation to the embodiment
illustrated
in FIG. 18.
[00164] Still another illustrative embodiment of a system for securing a
booster
seat to a vehicle seat is illustrated in FIG. 20. In this embodiment, a
booster seat
518' is provided that is identical to the booster seat 518 except that each of
the arms
67 define a slot 540 therethrough sized and configured to receive a web 542
therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, one of the free ends of the web
542 is
fed through a conventional web length adjuster 520, and the web length
adjuster 520
is attached to the connector 68 via a fixed length web 522. The opposite end
of the
web 542 is, in one embodiment, connected directly to a connector 68 (not
shown).
After both connectors 68 are engaged with corresponding anchorages of the
vehicle
seat 11, slack in the web 542 is taken up by pulling the free end of the web
542
through the web length adjuster 520. In an alternative embodiment, a web
length
adjuster and web 522 may be interposed between each free end of the web 542
and
its corresponding connector 68.
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[00165] A further illustrative embodiment of a system for securing a booster
seat to a vehicle seat is illustrated in FIG. 21. In this embodiment, a web
544 has
one free end connected to a conventional web length adjuster 520, and an
opposite
end extending through the web length adjuster 520. The web length adjuster 520
is
attached to the connector 68 via a fixed length web 522. In the illustrated
embodiment, the booster seat 518 is secured to a vehicle seat by first passing
one of
the arms 67 through the loop created by the web 544, and then latching the
connector 68 to an anchorage of the vehicle seat. Slack in the web 544 is
taken up
by pulling the free end of the web 544 through the web length adjuster 520. In
an
alternative embodiment, the other arm 67 may be passed through a loop created
by
a second web 544 operatively attached to a web length adjuster 520, web 522
and
connector 68 as just described. The connector 68 may then be latched to
another
anchorage of the vehicle seat, and slack in the web 544 may be taken up by
pulling
the free end of the second web 544 through the second web length adjuster 520.
[00166] Still a further illustrative embodiment of a system for securing a
booster
seat to a vehicle seat is illustrated in FIG. 22. In this embodiment, one end
of a fixed
length of web 546 is attached to one side of the booster seat 518, e.g., at
the recess
or port 408, and the opposite end of the web 546 is attached to a connector
68. One
end of another fixed length of web 546 is attached to the other side of the
booster
seat 518, e.g., at the recess or port 408, and the opposite end of the second
web
546 is attached to another connector 68 (not shown). In this embodiment, the
web
546 is sized to position the rear wall 100 of the booster seat 518 against or
adjacent
to the back of the vehicle seat.
[00167] Those skilled in the art will recognize other structures and/or
techniques for securing the booster seat 418, 518, 518' to a vehicle seat, and
any
such other structures and/or techniques are contemplated by this disclosure.
[00168] Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 34, assembly and assembled views
respectively of another illustrative embodiment of a restraint system 610 is
shown.
The restraint system 610 is portable and is configured to be mounted to a
vehicle
seat as described hereinabove. In the illustrated embodiment, the booster seat
if
shown in the form of the booster seat 418 illustrated and described
hereinabove with
respect to FIGS. 14-15. In this regard, the restraint system 610 includes the
booster
seat mounting system 400 illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 14-
17,
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although it will be understood that the restraint system 610 may alternatively
include
other embodiments of the booster seat illustrated and described herein, and
some
such embodiments may include one or more of the alternate booster seat
mounting
systems illustrated and described herein. In any case, the restraint system
610
includes a multiple-point restraint harness 420 mounted to the booster seat
518.
[00169] The multiple-point restraint harness 420 is, in the illustrated
embodiment, a five-point restraint harness and will be described as such with
reference to FIG. 23, although it will be understood that the restraint
harness 420
may alternatively include more or fewer points of attachment. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the restraint harness 420 includes a crotch strap 422 having one
end
mounted to the attachment point 82 of the booster seat 418 via a conventional
web
attachment member 422' (see FIGS. 16 and 17), and an opposite end attached to
a
conventional buckle 421. Likewise side webs 424 and 425 each have one end
mounted to opposite attachment points 81 of the booster seat 418 via
conventional
web attachment members 424' and 425' respectively (see also FIGS. 16, 17 and
24).
The opposite ends of the webs 424 and 425 are attached to conventional web
length
adjusters 426 and 427 respectively (see also FIG. 24).
[00170] One end of a web 434 extends through one of the recesses 87
extending into the booster seat 418 near the rear wall 100, and is attached to
a
conventional web attachment member 434' positioned in the recess 87 as
illustrated
in FIGS. 16-17. The opposite end of the web 434 extends through a height
adjuster
73 of the type illustrated and described hereinabove, through a slot 430A
defined
through a web interface member 430, and is then also attached to the web
attachment member 434'. One end of a shoulder harness 436 is likewise attached
to
the web attachment member 434', and an opposite end of the shoulder harness
436
extends through another slot 430B defined through the web interface member
430,
through the height adjuster 73, through one side of a conventional web clamp
75,
through a slot defined through a conventional tongue member 438 and then
through
the web length adjuster 427.
[00171] One end of another web 437 extends through the other recess 87
extending into the booster seat 418 near the rear wall 100, and is attached to
a
conventional web attachment member 435' positioned in the recess 87 as
illustrated
in FIGS. 16-17. The opposite end of the web 436 extends through a height
adjuster
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72 of the type illustrated and described hereinabove, through a slot 430C
defined
through the web interface member 430, and is then also attached to the web
attachment member 435'. One end of another shoulder harness 435 is likewise
attached to the web attachment member 435', and an opposite end of the
shoulder
harness 435 extends through another slot 430D defined through the web
interface
member 430, through the height adjuster 72, through the other side of the web
clamp
75, through a slot defined through another conventional tongue member 439 and
then through the web length adjuster 426 (see also FIG. 24).
[00172] The restraint system 610 also includes a mounting harness 440
coupled to the restraint harness 420 through the web interface member 430. In
the
illustrated embodiment, the mounting harness 440 includes a web 442 having a
first
end extending through a slot 430E defined through the web interface member 430
and then attached to itself via a conventional technique so that this end of
the web
442 is attached to the web interface member 430. The opposite end of the web
442
extends through a slot defined through an anchorage engagement member 446,
e.g., an open or closed hook member, and is then attached to a conventional
web
length adjuster 444. The web length adjuster 444 is attached to one end of
another
web 448 having an opposite end extending through another slot 430F defined
through the web interface member 430 and then attached to itself via a
conventional
technique so that this end of the web 448 is attached to the web interface
member
430.
[00173] In the illustrated embodiment, the booster seat 418 may or may not be
secured to a vehicle seat as described hereinabove. In either case, the
anchorage
engagement member 446 is releasably engaged with an anchorage of the vehicle
carrying the vehicle seat. In one embodiment, this anchorage is mounted to a
rear
face of the vehicle seat as illustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, this
anchorage may be
mounted to any surface of the seat bottom portion of the vehicle seat, such as
to an
underside of the seat bottom, for example. Alternatively still, this anchorage
may be
mounted to a rear deck located behind the vehicle seat. In passenger cars, for
example, the rear deck may be a rear shelf located behind and above the
vehicle
seat, whereas in sport utility vehicles the rear deck may comprise the floor
of a cargo
area of the vehicle. Alternatively still, the anchorage may be mounted to a
rear wall
of the vehicle, such as a rear wall of a pickup truck. Alternatively still,
the anchorage
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may be mounted to a ceiling or frame near the ceiling of the vehicle. This
anchorage
may alternatively be mounted in other locations relative to the vehicle. In
any case,
after the anchorage engagement member 446 is engaged with the anchorage of the
vehicle, slack is taken out of the web 442 by pulling the free end of the web
442
through the web length adjuster 444. The act of taking the slack out of the
web 442
also properly positions the web interface member 430, and thus the shoulder
harnesses 435 and 436, relative to the vehicle seat. An occupant (not shown)
may
then be placed in the booster seat 418, and the restraint harness 420 may be
engaged and tightened around the occupant in a conventional manner. The height
adjusters 72 and 73 may be manipulated in a known manner to adjust the height,
relative to the booster seat 418, that the shoulder harnesses 435 and 436
respectively extend forwardly from the webs 437 and 434 respectively. The web
clamp 75 may slide relative to the shoulder harnesses 435 and 436 in a
conventional
manner to a desired position relative to the occupant's midsection. The tongue
members 438 and 439 are releasably engageable with the buckle 421 in a
conventional manner. The length of the shoulder webs 435 and 436, and
therefore
the tightness of the restraint harness 420 about the occupant of the booster
seat
418, may be adjusted by advancing the webs 435 and 436 in either direction
through
the corresponding web length adjusters 426 and 427.
[00174] The portable restraint system 610 may further include a number of
optional components. An example of one such optional component is a cover 480
configured to be wrapped around the combination of the webs 434, 436, 435 and
437. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 480 includes a body portion 482
defining a top flap 484 extending from one end and a bottom flap 488 extending
from
an opposite end. One side of the body portion 482 defines a pair side flaps
486A
and 490A extending therefrom and separated by an open channel or slot 492A
extending into the body portion 482. The opposite side of the body portion 482
likewise defines a pair of side flaps (only 486B shown) separated by an open
channel or slot 492B extending into the body portion 482. As illustrated in
FIG. 23
and in the assembled view of FIG. 24, the top flap 484 extends through yet
another
slot 430G defined through the web interface member 430 and is then folded
downwardly. Likewise, the bottom flap is folded upwardly. The side flaps 486A,
490A, 486B and 490B (not shown) are then folded inwardly around the
combination
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of the webs 434, 436, 435 and 437 with the web 434 extending into the slot
492A,
the web 437 extending into the slot 492B, and with the remainder of the webs
434,
436, 435 and 437 above the slots 492A and 492B extending along an outer
surface
of the cover 480, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25. One or more conventional
releasable attachment structures and/or techniques may be used to releasably
attach the side flaps 486A, 490A, 486B and 490B (not shown) together. In one
embodiment, for example, conventional interlocking fabric strips may be
attached to
each of the side flaps 486A, 490A, 486B and 490B (not shown) so that the flaps
may
be releasably attached to each other in a conventional manner.
[00175] An example of another optional component that may be included with
the portable restraint system 610 is a head rest 450 configured to be received
and
maintained in position by the cover 480. In the illustrated embodiment, the
head rest
450 includes a body portion 452 having a bottom end 452A and an opposite top
end
452B. A pair of wing-like projections 454 (only one shown) extend laterally
away
from the body portion 452 adjacent to the top end 452B, and head supporting
protrusions 456 extend forwardly away from the projections 454 as illustrated
in
FIGS. 23-25. As most clearly shown in FIG. 25, the body portion 452 is sized
to be
slidably inserted between the upper side flaps 486A and 486B (only 486A shown)
and the body portion 482 of the cover 480 as shown by the dashed lines 606, or
between lower side flaps 490A and 490B (only 490A shown) and the body portion
482 of the cover 480 as shown by the dashed lines 608. In either case, after
the
head rest 450 is inserted into the cover 480 as shown, the head rest 450 may
thereafter be adjusted upwardly or downwardly relative to the cover 480. In
the
illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 456 are stationary and provide some
amount
of head support to an occupant of the booster seat 418. Alternatively, the
protrusions 456 may be configured to articulate inwardly and outwardly as
described
hereinabove with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS 12A-12C.
[00176] An example of yet another optional component that may be included
with the portable restraint system 610 is a seat cover 460 configured and
sized to fit
over the booster seat 418. The seat cover 460 defines a body portion having
opposing side recesses 462A and 462B that are sized to accommodate passage
thereby of the webs 424 and 425 respectively of the restraint harness 420. A
center
slot 466 is defined through the body portion and is sized to accommodate
passage
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therethrough of the web 422 of the restraint harness, and a front passageway
is
defined through the body portion to provide for access to the locking web
adjuster
402. A rear flap 468 of the body portion is configured to pass over the rear
wall 100
of the booster seat 418, and a front flap 470 of the body portion is
configured to pass
over the front face 98 of the booster seat 418. One or more conventional
attachment
structures and/or techniques may be used to secure the rear and front flaps
468 and
470 respectively to the underside of the booster seat 418.
[00177] An example of still other optional components that may be included
with the portable restraint system 610 include arm rest covers 472 each
configured
to slide over, and be retained on, the arm rests 67. An example of still
another
optional component that may be included with the portable restraint system 610
is a
cup holder and/or tray 496 that may be attached to the booster seat 418. In
the
illustrated embodiment, the cup holder and/or tray 496 includes a cup holder
and a
tray, and is attached to one of the sidewalls 99 of the booster seat 418.
Alternatively, the cup holder and/or tray 496 may include only one of the cup
holder
or tray, and may be alternatively attached to, or integral with, a different
portion of
the booster seat 418, e.g.,, either or both of the arm rests 67.
[00178] Referring now to FIGS. 26-30, the booster seat 418 is shown mounted
to a vehicle seat 11' having a seat back 12' and a seat bottom 13'. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the restraint harness 420 has been removed from the booster seat
418
by removing the web attachment members 422', 425', 426', 434' and 435' (see
FIGS. 16 and 17) from the booster seat 418. In this embodiment, the vehicle
restraint harness 620 is used to restrain a passenger 475 positioned on the
booster
seat 418. In the illustrated embodiment, the booster seat 418 and associated
booster seat mounting system 400 is shown, although it will be understood that
any
of the booster seat embodiments 418, 518 and 518', along with any of the
associated booster seat mounting systems, may aiternatively be used.
[00179] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle restraint harness 620
includes a single length of web forming a lap portion 622 having one end
secured to
a conventional web anchorage member mounted to the seat bottom 13' adjacent to
one side thereof. The lap portion 622 passes through a slot formed through a
conventional tongue member 626, and thereafter extends upwardly in the form of
a
shoulder portion 624 across the passenger 475. The free end of the shoulder
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portion 624 is attached to a conventional retractor 625 mounted to the seat
back 12'
adjacent to a top of the seat back 12'. The tongue member includes a
conventional
tongue configured to releasably engage a conventional buckle that is mounted
to the
seat bottom 13' adjacent to an opposite side thereof. As illustrated in FIG.
27, the
vehicle restraint harness 620 is configured to extend over and about the
passenger
475 with the lap portion 622 extending between the arm rests 67 and the
booster
seat 418 to thereby restrain the passenger 475 positioned on the booster seat
418.
[00180] Referring now specifically to FIGS. 28-30, one illustrative embodiment
of a height adjustment assembly 640 is shown for adjusting the position of the
shoulder portion 624 of the vehicle restraint harness 620 relative to the
passenger
475 of the booster seat 418. In the illustrated embodiment, the height
adjuster
assembly 640 includes a web 642 having one end passed through a conventional
web length adjuster 646. The web length adjuster 646 is attached via a fixed
length
of web 643 to the booster seat 418 via a conventional attachment structure
644. In
the illustrated embodiment, for example, the free end of the web 643 forms a
loop,
and this loop is passed through one of the voids or recesses 87 defined
through the
booster seat 418. The opposite end of the height adjuster assembly 640 is then
passed through the loop as shown in FIG. 28 to secure the free end of the web
643
to the booster seat 418. Those skilled in the art will recognize other
conventional
structures and/or techniques for attaching the free end of the web 643 to the
booster
seat 418, and any such other conventional structures and/or techniques are
contemplated by the present disclosure. In any case, the opposite end of the
web
642 is attached to a web clamp 645 having a pair of closable clamp members 650
and 652 configured to close together with the shoulder portion 624 of the
vehicle
restraint harness 620 trapped therebetween. The clamp members 650 and 652 are
hinged together on one side, and an opposite side of the clamp member 650
defines
a slot 654 whereas the opposite side of the clamp member 652 defines a
protrusion
656 configured to be received within the slot 654 to thereby join the clamp
members
650 and 652 over the shoulder portion 624 as illustrated in FIG. 30. In one
embodiment, the clamp member 652 may define a number of transverse ribs 658,
and the clamp member 650 may likewise define a number of transverse ribs 660.
The ribs 658 are offset from the ribs 660 to facilitate the clamping of the
shoulder
portion 624 of the vehicle restraint harness 620 therebetween. In any case,
the web
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clamp 645 is slidably positionable along the shoulder portion 624 of the
vehicle
restraint harness 620.
[00181] In the illustrated embodiment, the length of the web 642 may be
adjusted by advancing the web 642 through the web length adjuster 646 in
either
direction to thereby modify the height of the web clamp 645 relative to the
shoulder
portion 624 of the vehicle restraint harness 620. This then allows the
adjustable
positioning of the shoulder portion 624 of the vehicle restraint harness 620
relative to
the passenger 475 of the booster seat 418. In an alternate embodiment, the
attachment structure 644 may be a conventional retractor mounted to or within
the
booster seat 418. In this embodiment, the web 642 may extend directly into the
retractor 644, and the web length adjuster 646 may be omitted.
[00182] Referring now to FIGS. 31-33, an auxiliary harness 670 is provided to
convert the three-point vehicle restraint harness 620 to a four-point
restraint harness
relative to the booster seat 418. It will be understood that the auxiliary
harness may
alternatively be used with any of the booster seat embodiments 18, 118, 318,
418,
518 and 518' illustrated and described herein. In the illustrated embodiment,
the
auxiliary harness 670 includes a web 672 having one end mounted to a
conventional
web attachment member 674 configured to be mounted to the booster seat 418 via
the anchor point 82. The opposite end of the web 672 is attached to a web
engaging
member 674 mounted to a conventional pad 676. The web engaging member 674
defines a slot 678 therein sized to receive the lap portion 622 of the vehicle
restraint
harness 620 therein as illustrated in FIG. 33. Those skilled in the art will
recognize
other structures and/or techniques for selectively securing the lap portion
622 of the
vehicle restraint harness 620 to the web engaging member 674, and any such
other
structures and/or techniques are contemplated by this disclosure.
[00183] Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, a carrying bag 700 is provided to
transport one or more components of the portable restraint system 610
illustrated in
FIGS. 23-25. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrying bag 700 defines an
opening
703 to an interior 705 sized to receive one or more of the components of the
restraint
system 610 therein, and a flap 702 configured to extend over the opening 703
of the
carrying bag 700. On the flap 702 are mounted a number of attachment members
704A, and on the bag 700 there are mounted an equal number of corresponding
attachment members 704B each configured to lockingly engage a corresponding
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one of the number of attachment members 704A. After the one or more components
of the portable restraint system 610 are positioned in the carrying bag 700,
the flap
702 may be extended over the opening 705, and the attachments members 704A
and 704B may engage each other to lock the bag 700 in a closed state.
[00184] In one embodiment, the carrying bag 700 is sized to receive and store
therein at least the booster seat 418. In another embodiment, the carrying bag
700
is sized to receive and store therein at least the combination of the booster
seat 418
and restraint harness 420. In yet another embodiment, the carrying bag 700 is
sized
to receive and store therein at least the combination of the booster seat 418,
the
restraint harness 420 and the mounting harness 440. In still another
embodiment,
the carrying bag 700 is sized to receive and store therein at least the
combination of
the booster seat 418, the restraint harness 420, the mounting harness 440 and
the
cover 480. In a further embodiment, the carrying bag 700 is sized to receive
and
store therein at least the combination of the booster seat 418, the restraint
harness
420, the mounting harness 422, the cover 480 and the headrest 450. The bag 700
may alternatively be sized to receive and store therein other combinations of
any of
the foregoing components.
[00185] The carrying bag 700 may be sized and configured to carry the one or
more components of the portable restraint system 610 therein with the arm
rests 67
positioned within the carrying bag 700 as illustrated in FIG. 34.
Alternatively, the
carrying bag 700 may be sized and configured to carry the one or more
components
of the portable restraint system 610 therein with the arm rests 67 extending
outside
of the carrying bag 700. In either case, the carrying bag 700, with any one or
combination of the components of the portable restraint system 610 stored
therein, is
sized to be stowed under a passenger seat of a commercial air craft.
Alternatively or
additionally, the carrying bag 700, with any one or combination of the
components of
the portable restraint system 610 stored therein, is sized to be stowed in an
overhead storage compartment of a commercial air craft.
[00186] The carrying bag 700 includes at least one carrying strap 706 mounted
thereto. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 35, for example, the carrying
strap 706
is sized to extend over a shoulder 708 of a person 710 transporting the
carrying bag
700. Altematively or additionally, the carrying strap 706 may be provided in
the form
of two shoulder straps configured to extend over each shoulder of a person
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transporting the carrying bag 700 in the form of a backpack. Alternatively or
additionally, the carrying strap 706 may be provided in the form of a carrying
handle
configured to be carried by hand. Any one or combination of such carrying
straps
706 may be provided.
[00187] Referring now to FIGS. 36-42, another illustrative embodiment of a
booster seat mounting system 68 and 722-726 is shown for mounting another
illustrative embodiment of a booster seat 718 to a vehicle seat 11. It will be
understood, however, that the booster seat mounting system 68 and 722-726 may
be adapted for use with any of the booster seats 18, 118, 318 and 418
illustrated and
described herein. In any case, the booster seat 718 is, like the booster seats
18,
118, 318 and 418, a backless booster seat in the sense that it comprises a
seat base
with no back support.
[00188] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 36-42, the booster seat
mounting system 68 and 722-726 includes a pair of booster seat mounting webs
722A and 722B each connected to a corresponding conventional web length
adjuster 724A and 724B respectively. The web length adjusters 724A and 724B
are
each connected to a corresponding connector 68A and 68B respectively via
corresponding fixed-length webs 726A and 726B respectively. The connectors 68A
and 68B may be as described hereinabove with respect to the connector 68.
[00189] As with the embodiments 18, 118, 318 and 418 of the booster seat
illustrated and described herein, the booster seat 718 defines a number of
recesses
or channels through a top surface 96 of the booster seat 718 for attaching
various
components of a restraint harness; e.g., restraint harness 420 illustrated and
described herein, to the booster seat 718. For example, the recesses 83A, 83B,
83C, 87A and 87B extend into the top surface 96 of the booster seat 718, and
each
of these recesses defines therein a respective web anchor point 81A, 81 B, 82,
89A
and 89B respectively for mounting the various components of a restraint
harness;
e.g., restraint harness 420, thereto as described hereinabove. The recesses
83A
and 83B of the booster seat 718 further define therein respective web anchor
points
728A and 728B for mounting web anchors affixed to respective ends of the webs
722A and 722B to the booster seat 718.
[00190] The recesses 83A, 83B, 83C, 87A and 87B each align with respective
recesses 83'A, 83'B, 83'C, 87'A and 87'B extending into the bottom 784 of the
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booster seat 718. These recesses 83'A, 83'B, 83'C, 87'A and 87'B are
configured to
receive and retain web anchors, which attach in a conventional fashion to the
ends
of the web components defining the restraint harness; e.g., the restraint
harness
420, as well as the ends of the webs 722A and 722B. Additionally, the recesses
83A, 83'A, 83B and 83'B are sized to accommodate the booster seat mounting
webs
722A and 722B respectively.
[00191] The booster seat 718 defines a seat or top portion 96 that extends
between a pair of upstanding sidewalls 720A and 720B. The sidewalls 720A and
720B slope generally downwardly from a back 100 of the booster seat 718 toward
a
front 98 of the booster seat 718. A pair of arm rests 767A and 767B extend
from the
sidewalls 720A and 720B respectively adjacent to the back 100 of the booster
seat
718.
[00192] One end of the booster seat mounting web 722A extends into the
recess 83A and is attached to the web anchor point 81A via a conventional web
anchor. The opposite end of the booster seat mounting web 722A is passed
through
a conventional web length adjuster 724A. The web length adjuster 724A is a
locking
web length adjuster, and the length of the web 722A may be adjusted by pulling
the
web 722A through the web length adjuster 724A in either direction in a
conventional
manner. The web length adjuster 724A is also connected via a fixed length of
web
726A to one end of a connector 68A that is configured to be releasably
connectable
to an anchor of the vehicle seat 11 as described hereinabove with respect to
the
connector 68. For example, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 40 the seat 11
comprises a seat back 12, a seat bottom 13 and a bight 15 therebetween. A
conventional round bar or other vehicle seat anchor 21 is positioned within
the bight
15, and is securely mounted to the seat 11 and/or seat frame 721. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the connector 68A is configured to be releasably connectable to
the
seat anchor 21.
[00193] One end of the booster seat mounting web 722B likewise extends into
the recess 83B and is attached to the web anchor point 81 B via a conventional
web
anchor. The opposite end of the booster seat mounting web 722B is passed
through
a conventional web length adjuster 724B. The web length adjuster 724B is a
locking
web length adjuster, and the length of the web 722B may be adjusted by pulling
the
web 722B through the web length adjuster 724B in either direction in a
conventional
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manner. The web length adjuster 724B is also connected via a fixed length of
web
726B to one end of another connector 68B that is configured to be releasably
connectable to another anchor 21 of the vehicle seat 11 as described
hereinabove
with respect to the connector 68A. For example, the seat 11 typically includes
a pair
of conventional round bars or other vehicle seat anchors 21 positioned in the
bight
15 adjacent to each side of the seat. Some vehicle seats, e.g., bench-type
seats,
may include several sets of such round bars or other vehicle seat anchors 21
spaced
along the bight 15. The pairs of round bars or other vehicle seat anchors 21
are
generally spaced apart such that one connector 68A may be releasably connected
to
one of the anchors 21 of the pair of anchors, and the other connector 68B may
be
releasably connected to the other anchor 21 of the pair of anchors.
[00194] With the bottom 784 of the booster seat 718 positioned on the seat
bottom 13 and the back 100 of the booster seat 718 facing the seat back 12,
the
connectors 68A and 68B may both be releasably connected to the vehicle seat
anchors 21. The lengths of the webs 722A and/or 722B may be adjusted via the
web length adjusters 724A and 724B respectively to provide sufficient slack in
the
webs 722A and 722B to facilitate engagement of the connectors 68A and 68B with
corresponding vehicle seat anchors 21. The webs 722A and 722B extend under the
arm rests 767A and 767B respectively, and over and in contact with
corresponding
ones of the opposing sidewalls 720A and 720B respectively when the connectors
68A and 68B engage the anchorages 21 of the vehicle seat 11. The booster seat
718 may be secured to the vehicle seat 11 by adjusting the lengths of the webs
722A
and 722B; e.g., shortening the webs 722A and 722B, via the web length
adjusters
724A and 724B in a conventional manner. The sloped surfaces of the sidewalls
720A and 720B facilitate the secure mounting of the booster seat 718 to the
vehicle
seat 11 by guiding the booster seat 718, as the lengths of the webs 722A and
722B
are being shortened, toward and into the seat bottom 13, the seat back 12 and
the
bight 15. With the lengths of the webs 722A and 722B suitably shortened via
the
web length adjusters 724A and 724B respectively, the booster seat 718 will
thus be
securely mounted to the vehicle seat 11. The lengths of the webs 722A and 722B
may be suitably adjusted; e.g., loosened, via the web length adjusters 724A
and
724B respectively to facilitate releasing of the connectors 68A and 68B from
the
vehicle seat anchors 21.
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[00195] It will be appreciated that the illustrated booster seat mounting
system
may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For
example,
the two booster seat mounting webs 722A and 722B may alternatively comprise a
single web that extends into one recess 83A, B, under or through the booster
seat
718 and then out of the other recess 83A, B. In this embodiment, the two
opposing
ends of the single booster seat mounting web may be passed through respective
ones of the two web length adjusters 724A and 724B as illustrated in FIGS. 36-
42.
Alternatively, one of the web length adjusters 724A or 724B may be omitted in
this
embodiment, in which case the corresponding free end of the single booster
seat
mounting web may be attached directly to a corresponding one of the connectors
68A or 68B. These and other modifications or alternatives to the illustrated
booster
seat mounting system are contemplated by this disclosure.
[00196] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 38, 41 and 42, the bottom 784 of
the booster seat 718 includes a number of additional features. For example,
the
bottom 784 of the booster seat 718 defines a pair of open channels or cavities
730A
and 730B therein adjacent opposite sides of the booster seat 718. The cavities
730A and 730B are configured, as will be described in greater detail
hereinafter, to
receive and retain therein for storage the connectors 68A and 68B
respectively, as
desired when the connectors 68A and 68B are not otherwise engaged with the
vehicle seat anchors 21; e.g., such as when transporting the booster seat 718.
[00197] The cavity 730A defines a cavity opening 732A in one side 99 of the
booster seat 718; e.g., near the front 98 of the booster seat, and the cavity
730A
extends into the booster seat 718 from the cavity opening 732A to a cavity end
734A. Between the cavity opening 732A and the cavity end 734A, the cavity 730A
defines a cavity bottom 736A extending between a pair of cavity sidewalls
738A.
The pair of cavity sidewalls 738A are open to the bottom 784 of the booster
seat
718. Near the opening of the cavity 730A in the bottom 784 of the booster seat
718,
a number of retaining structures 735 extend inwardly into the channel 730A
from
each of the cavity sidewalls 738A. In the illustrated example, two such
retaining
structures in the form of opposing retaining tabs extend from each of the
sidewalls
738A inwardly toward a center of the cavity 730A. The retaining structures 735
are
sized and positioned relative to the sidewalls 738A and cavity bottom 736A to
retain
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the connector 68A therein, with the web 722A extending out of the cavity
opening
732A, as illustrated in FIG. 42.
[00198] The cavity 730B likewise defines a cavity opening 732B in an opposite
side 99 of the booster seat 718; e.g., near the front 98 of the booster seat,
and the
cavity 730B extends into the booster seat 718 from the cavity opening 732B to
a
cavity end 734B. Between the cavity opening 732B and the cavity end 734B, the
cavity 730B defines a cavity bottom 736B extending between a pair of cavity
sidewalls 738B. The pair of cavity sidewalls 738B are open to the bottom 784
of the
booster seat 718. Near the opening of the cavity 730B in the bottom 784 of the
booster seat 718, a number of retaining structures 735 extend inwardly into
the
channel 730B from each of the cavity sidewalls 738B. In the illustrated
example, two
such retaining structures in the form of opposing retaining tabs extend from
each of
the sidewalls 738B inwardly toward a center of the cavity 730B. The retaining
structures 735 are sized and positioned relative to the sidewalls 738B and
cavity
bottom 736B to retain the connector 68B therein, with the web 722B extending
out of
the cavity opening 732B, as illustrated in FIG. 42.
[00199] The bottom 784 of the booster seat 718 further defines a recessed
storage area 740 configured to receive and retain therein an instruction
manual. A
number of retaining flanges or tabs 741; e.g., four, extend over the recessed
storage
area 740 about its periphery. The retaining flanges or tabs 741 are sized and
configured to retain an instruction manual within the recessed storage area
740,
while also allowing for easy removal and replacement of the manual from and
into
the storage area 740.
[00200] Two anti-skid members 742 and 744 are affixed to the bottom 784 of
the booster seat 718. The anti-skid members 742 and 744 are formed of one or
more conventional anti-skid materials, and may be attached to the bottom 784
of the
booster seat 718 to inhibit movement of the booster seat 718 relative to the
vehicle
seat 11.
[00201] The bottom 784 of the booster seat 718 also has a number of cover
engagement members 746 affixed thereto adjacent to the front 98 and to the
back
100 of the booster seat 718. The engagement members 746 are, in one
illustrative
embodiment, fabric pieces configured to interlockingly engage fabric forming
at least
part of a seat cover of the type that will be described and illustrated
hereinafter with
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respect to FIGS. 43 and 44. Alternatively, the engagement members 746 may be
formed of other conventional engagement structures configured to engage a
fabric
seat cover or seat cover formed of one or more other materials.
[00202] Referring now to FIGS. 43 and 44, assembly and assembled views
respectively of another illustrative embodiment of a restraint system 810 is
shown.
The restraint system 810 is portable and is configured to be mounted to a
vehicle
seat as described hereinabove. In the illustrated embodiment, the booster seat
is
shown in the form of the booster seat 718 illustrated and described
hereinabove with
respect to FIGS. 36-42. In this regard, the restraint system 810 includes the
booster
seat mounting system 68 and 722-726, and the booster seat 718 of the restraint
system 810 is accordingly mountable to a vehicle seat via the booster seat
mounting
system 68 and 722-726 as illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 36-
42.
The restraint system 810 illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44 is otherwise identical
in many
respects to the restraint system 610 illustrated and described hereinabove
with
respect to FIGS. 23 and 24, and like numbers are accordingly used in FIGS. 43
and
44 to identify components that are common with corresponding components of the
restraint system 610.
[00203] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 43 and 44, the restraint system
810 includes a multiple-point restraint harness 420 mounted to the booster
seat 718.
The multiple-point restraint harness 420 is, in the illustrated embodiment, a
five-point
restraint harness identical to that described with respect to FIGS. 23 and 24,
although it will be understood that the restraint harness 420 may
alternatively include
more or fewer points of attachment to the booster seat 718. The illustrated
restraint
system 810 also includes a mounting harness 440 coupled to the restraint
harness
420 through a web interface member 430, all identical to like components
illustrated
and described with respect to FIGS. 23 and 24.
[00204] Like the portable restraint system 610, the portable restraint system
810 may further include a number of optional components. An example of one
such
optional component is a cover 480 configured to be wrapped around some of the
webs of the restraint harness 420 as illustrated and described hereinabove
with
respect to FIGS. 23 and 24. An example of another optional component that may
be
included with the portable restraint system 810 is a head rest 450 configured
to be
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received within and maintained in position by the cover 480, as illustrated
and
described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 23 and 24.
[00205] An example of yet another optional component that may be included
with the portable restraint system 810 is a seat cover 760 configured and
sized to fit
over the booster seat 718. The seat cover 760 defines a body portion 762
extending
in a lateral direction between a pair of opposing side walls 764A and 764B and
in a
longitudinal direction between a front end 766 and a back end 770. The front
end
766 extends in either lateral direction to partial side covers 768A and 768B
(only
768B shown). The seat cover 760 is received on the booster seat 718 with the
body
portion 762 covering the seat top 96, the side wall 764A covering the sidewall
720A
of the booster seat 718, the side wall 764B covering the sidewall 720B of the
booster
seat 718, and with the partial side covers 768A and 768B extending from the
front 98
of the booster seat 718 at least partially around the opposing sides 99
thereof. The
front end 766 and back end 770 of the cover 760 are configured to wrap around
the
booster seat 718 and engage the cover engagement members 746 affixed to the
bottom 784 of the booster seat 718.
[00206] With the seat cover 760 in place on the booster seat 718 as just
described, a passage 772 defined through the seat cover 760 aligns with the
recess
83C in the seat 718, a passage 774A defined through the seat cover 760 aligns
with
the recess 83A in the seat 718, a passage 774B (not shown) defined through the
seat cover 760 aligns with the recess 83B in the seat 718, a passage 776A
defined
through the seat cover 760 aligns with recess 87A defined in the seat 718, and
a
passage 776B (not shown) defined through the seat cover 760 aligns with the
recess
87B defined in the seat 718. The various webs forming the restraint harness
420
extend through the passages 772, 774A, 774B, 776A and 776B similarly as
described in relation to the cover 460 illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24. An
example of
still other optional components that may be included with the portable
restraint
system 810 includes arm rest covers 778A and 778B each configured to slide
over,
and be retained on, the respective arm rests 767A and 767B.
[00207] Referring now to FIG. 45, a front perspective view of yet another
illustrative embodiment of a restraint system 910 is shown. The restraint
system 910
is identical in many respects to the restraint system 810 illustrated and
described
herein, and like numbers are therefore used to identify like components. For
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example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 45, the booster seat is shown
in the
form of the booster seat 718 illustrated and described hereinabove with
respect to
FIGS. 36-42, and the restraint harness 420, the web interface member 430 and
the
mounting harness 440 are all as illustrated and described herein. The
restraint
system 910 further includes a seat bottom cover 930 that is sized and
configured to
cover the top surface of the booster seat 718 as shown in FIG. 45. One or more
cushions (not shown) may be positioned between the top surface of the booster
seat
and the seat bottom cover 930. The restraint system further includes a cover
980
that may be used instead of the cover 480 illustrated and described
hereinabove.
The cover 980 may be designed for aesthetic appeal as shown in FIG. 45, and
may
also mount differently to the restraint harness 420 as will be described in
greater
detail hereinafter with respect to FIG. 48.
[00208] The restraint system 910 further includes a headrest member 950 that
may be coupled to the restraint system 910 in a different manner than that
described
with respect to the head rest 450 that is illustrated and described herein.
Additionally, a cushion 920 may be provided that can be coupled to the
restraint
system 910 so that it is positioned adjacent to the headrest 950 between the
protrusions 956A and 956B.
[00209] Referring now to FIG. 46, a front elevational view of the cushion 920
is
shown. The cushion 920 includes a cushion body 922 that may be formed of one
or
more conventional cushion materials with a pair of mounting straps 924A and
924B
attached thereto. The mounting straps 924A and 924B are configured to engage
each other, and the cushion 920 is coupled to the restraint system 910 by
extending
placing the cushion member 922 adjacent to the headrest 950 and between the
protrusions 956A and 956B, extending the mounting straps over the web
interface
member 430 on either side of the mounting harness 440, and then engaging the
straps 924A and 924B near their terminal ends (see also FIG. 48).
Illustratively, the
mounting straps 924A and 924B may be formed of, or equipped with, conventional
interlocking fabric. Alternatively, one or more other conventional attachment
mechanisms may be provided to releasably attach the two terminal ends of the
mounting straps 924A and 924B together.
[00210] Referring now to FIGS. 47A and 47B, front elevational and rear
perspective views of the headrest 950 of FIG. 45 is shown. The headrest 950
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includes a body or plate 952 that is generally V-shaped as illustrated in
FIGS. 47A
and 47B. A protrusion 954A extends forwardly from one side of the plate 952,
and
another protrusion 954B extends forwardly from an opposite side of the plate
952.
The protrusions 954A and 954B are movably attached to the body or plate 952
via
hinge members 955A and 955B respectively so that the protrusions 954A and 954B
are each independently movable or pivotable inwardly toward each other and
outwardly away from each other. Cushion members 956A and 956B are sized to fit
over the protrusions 954A and 954B respectively. Illustratively, the plate 952
and the
protrusions 954A and 954B may be formed of a conventional plastic material,
although the present disclosure contemplates that the plate 952 and
protrusions
954A and 954B may be formed of any suitable material that is at least somewhat
flexible. The protrusions 954A and 954B are positioned relative to the plate
952 to
accommodate an occupant's head therebetween, and are configured to be
adjustably positionable toward and away from each other so that they may be
adjusted toward and away from the occupant's head. The plate 952 defines a
pair of
slots 958A and 958B therethrough that are configured to receive and retain
corresponding portions of the restraint harness 420. Illustratively, the slots
958A and
958B are "I"-shaped so that the headrest 950 may be mounted to and removed
from
the portions of the restraint harness 420 without disassembling the restraint
harness
420 or detaching the restraint harness 420 from the restraint system 910.
[00211] Referring now to FIG. 48, a rear perspective view of the restraint
system 910 of FIG. 45 is shown. In this view, the headrest 950 is shown
mounted to
the restraint harness 420 with the restraint harness webs 435 and 437 (see,
for
example, FIG. 24) received and retained within the slot 958A, and with the
restraint
harness webs 434 and 436 received and retained within the slot 958B.
Additionally,
the cover 980 is shown as having a first set of mounting wings 982 and 984
being
wrapped around the restraint harness webs 435 and 437, and a second set of
mounting wings 986 and 988 being wrapped around the restraint harness webs 434
and 436. The pairs of mounting wings 982,984 and 986, 988 are illustratively
formed
of, or equipped with, conventional interlocking fabric. Alternatively, one or
more
other conventional attachment mechanisms may be provided to allow the first
set of
mounting wings 982, 984 to be attached or affixed to each other and to allow
the
second set of mounting wings 986, 988 to also be attached or affixed to each
other.
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[00212] Also shown in FIG. 48 are a pair of webs 940A and 940B extending
downwardly from the bottom of the booster seat 718. The webs 940A and 940B
each have one end attached to the booster seat in a conventional manner, and
an
opposite end defining a web loop. The webs 940A and 940B may be used in
cooperation with an existing restraint harness that is mounted to the vehicle
seat,
e.g., an existing, conventional two or three-point vehicle seat restraint
harness, to
secure the booster seat 718 to the vehicle seat in cases where the connectors
68A
and/or 68B are not or cannot be used to secure the booster seat 718 to the
vehicle
seat. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the combination web and
engagement member, e.g., conventional tongue or buckle, of the vehicle seat
restraint harness may be passed through the loops defined at the ends of the
webs
940A and 940B, and the engagement member may then engage a complementary
engagement member, e.g., conventional buckle or tongue, mounted to the vehicle
seat to secure the booster seat 718 to the vehicle seat. It will be
appreciated that
the loops defined at the ends of the webs 940A and 940B may be replaced with
one
or more other conventional engagement mechanisms to thereby allow the vehicle
seat restraint harness to engage the webs 940A and 940B to thereby secure the
booster seat 718 to the vehicle seat. It will be further appreciated that more
or fewer
webs may be attached to the booster seat 718 to allow the booster seat 718 to
be
secured to the vehicle seat as just described.
[00213] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in
the
foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as
illustrative and
not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative
embodiments
thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications
that
come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. In the
various
illustrative embodiments shown and described, the portable restraint system
with the
restraint harness included is intended to be used by infants and children up
to about
65 pounds. The portable restraint system without the restraint hamess
included, and
wherein instead the existing restraint harness of the vehicle seat is used, is
intended
to be used by children between about 30 and about 100 pounds.
